THE exact code has been revealed for people to spot when millions on benefits and Universal Credit get a Christmas cash boost from tomorrow.
The festive bonus is being made available to eligible families this week by the Department for Work and Pensions.
GettyA Christmas bonus payment is being offered to people on benefits[/caption]
The £10 payment comes tax-free and should be transferred automatically if you qualify.
But you should check your bank statements for the following code “DWP XB” to ensure you have in fact received it.
Officials have assured people that the bonus payment won’t need to be repaid – nor will it affect any other benefits you get.
Conditions for getting the £10 including being present or ordinarily resident in Britain, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or Gibraltar during this week between tomorrow and next Sunday.
Households should also be claiming at least one of 20 qualifying benefits over the same period.
It isn’t available to those receiving Universal Credit only – yet anyone on Universal Credit who also gets one of the qualifying benefits ought to be paid it.
To know whether or not you’re eligible, check whether you are a part of one of these DWP benefits:
Armed Forces Independence Payment
Carer’s Allowance
Constant Attendance Allowance (paid under Industrial Injuries or War Pensions schemes)
Contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance (once the main phase of the benefit is entered after the first 13 weeks of claim)
Disability Living Allowance
Incapacity Benefit at the long-term rate
Industrial Death Benefit (for widows or widowers)
Mobility Supplement
Pension Credit – the guarantee element
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
State Pension (including Graduated Retirement Benefit)
Severe Disablement Allowance (transitionally protected)
Unemployability Supplement or Allowance (paid under Industrial Injuries or War Pensions schemes)
War Disablement Pension at State Pension age
War Widow’s Pension
Widowed Mother’s Allowance
Widowed Parent’s Allowance
Widow’s Pension
Anyone believing they qualify yet have missed out on being paid automatically is advised to contact their local Jobcentre Plus or Pension Centre.
More extra cash for people on Universal Credit is also on offer.
The Warm Home Discount provides a £150 discount on energy bills, with electricity suppliers cutting your costs automatically if part of the scheme.
Anyone born on or before September 25, 1957, could get a Winter Fuel payment worth up to £600.
There have also been warnings that thousands on low incomes are missing out on Pension Credit, which could be worth an annual £3,500.
You must live in England, Scotland or Wales and reached state pension age, as a minimum.
Pension Credit also opens up a raft of other freebies – such as applying for a free TV licence worth £159 per year, if over 75.
All the perks you could receive from the benefit are outlined here.