MILLIONS on Universal Credit and other benefits have started receiving a DWP Christmas bonus into their bank accounts.
The tax-free £10 should arrive to all eligible claimants by Monday, December 11.
The festive bonus is being made available to eligible families this week by the Department for Work and Pensions.
If you're in line for the cash boost, you should check your bank statements for the following code "DWP XB".
So if you see a £10 payment in your bank account accompanied by this code you know it's the Christmas bonus.
Read our cost of living blog below for the latest news and updates…
- By Henry Moore
Which benefits are means-tested?
The means-tested benefits are:
- Universal Credit
- Income-based jobseeker’s allowance
- Income-related employment and support allowance
- Income support
- Pension credit
- Tax credits (child tax credit and working tax credit)
- Housing benefit
- Council tax support
- Social fund (sure start maternity grant, funeral payment, cold weather payment)
To be eligible to receive any of these benefits, you must be able to demonstrate that your total capital is less than a certain amount.
When does your state pension kick in?
At the moment the current state pension is paid to both men and women from age 66.
The state pension age is already due to rise to 67 by 2028 and to 68 by 2046.
A previous review from Sir John Cridland in 2017 recommended bringing that date forward to between 2037 and 2039.
What age does child benefit stop?
Child benefit payments stop on August 31, on or after your child’s 16th birthday, if they leave education or training.
If this is the case, your teen will get their own registered National Insurance Number.
You are still entitled to cash after they turn 16 and choose to stay in “approved” education or training.
Once your child has reached their final year of secondary school, the Child Benefit Office will send you a letter.
- By Henry Moore
Are you eligible for Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance covers extra costs you may face if you have a disability.
To claim the benefit, the following must apply:
- You have a physical or mental disability or both
- Your disability is severe enough for you to need help caring for yourself
- You have needed that help for at least six months (unless you’re terminally ill)
There are 57 categories of medical conditions you can claim with, but the most common ones are arthritis and dementia.
Do I need to claim my Christmas bonus?
No, you shouldn't have to do anything to get the Christmas bonus if you're eligible.
If you're getting any of the eligible benefits listed below, it should have been paid to you automatically.
You'll get it paid into the same account where you normally receive your benefit payments.
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Child Disability Payment
- 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
Top tips to save money on your heating
You may not be aware that by using “vampire settings” you could save £850 on your energy bills.
Here are some different ways to save:
- Thermostat – £380 Reducing your thermostat by one degree can reduce your fuel bill by 10%, according to Energy Saving Trust
- Dishwasher – £143 Running your dishwasher at a lower temperature such as 45ºC to 50ºC can save you more that £100
- Boiler – £112 Changing the flow temperatures on combination boilers, according to charity, Nesta means you can save an average of £112 per year
- Radiator – £75 The average household can save up to £75 every year if they have thermostatic radiator valves fitted on all their radiators, according to British Gas
- Tumble Dryer – £53 Tumble dryers can cost around 67p per cycle but most models come with an eco-mode that can be used to save the environment – and some cash
- Fridge Freezer – £50 The Food Standards Agency recommend that the temperature of fridges be set to 5°C and freezers should be at -18°C. Having it set at the optimum temperature is also better for your wallet
- Washing Machines – £37 Most models of washing machine come with an eco-mode that can be used to save some money
Free debt advice
If you’re in debt there are plenty of services you can take advantage of and they offer free advice on how to manage debt.
Most of them can offer you free guidance and help in person, over the telephone or online.
- Money Helper – 0800 138 7777
- Citizens Advice – 0808 800 9060
- StepChange – 0800 138 1111
- National Debtline – 0808 808 4000
Do I need a TV licence to watch Netflix and streaming sites?
You need a TV licence if you're watching shows being broadcast live on services such as ITV Hub, All 4, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Now TV, Sky Go, and more.
But you don't need a licence if you only use these services to stream shows on demand or through catch-up.
You also don't have to pay the licence fee for streaming-only services such as Netflix.
If you watch any BBC programmes at all, whether live or streaming or downloaded them on-demand, including on BBC iPlayer – then you automatically have to pay the fee.
High-street retailer reveals Christmas opening times
Marks and Spencer has revealed its planned opening times this Christmas.
From December 18 to 22 more than 400 stores will be open from 6am through till 10pm.
A number of stores will also be open until 10pm on December 23 and 4pm on Christmas Eve.
SHOP TO IT Major high street store reveals change to Christmas opening times
- By Henry Moore
How do benefits arrive in your account?
Your benefits are usually paid into an account, for instance, a bank account.
They’re usually paid every four weeks.
You’ll be asked for your bank, building society or credit union account details when you claim.
But if you have problems opening or managing an account, you might be able to claim a different way.
How to qualify for the bonus
Conditions for getting the £10 including being present or ordinarily resident in Britain, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or Gibraltar during the last week.
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.
How to check if you have received the Xmas bonus
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.
How much can you get in pension credit?
There are two parts to the pension credit and pensioners can be eligible for one or both.
- Guarantee credit – tops up your weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level. This is £201.05 a week if you’re single and £306.85 a week for married couples.
- Savings credit – provides extra money if you’ve saved money towards retirement. You can get an extra £15.94 a week for a single person or £17.84 a week for a married couple.
You may also get additional pension credit if you are disabled, have caring responsibilities or have to pay certain housing costs such as mortgage interest payments.
How to save £112 on your boiler each year
Over 10.7million households can save an average of £112 a year by changing the flow temperatures on their combination boilers, according to charity, Nesta.
The average household sets their combination boiler water flow temperature between 75°C and 80°C.
But if households were to drop this temperature to 60°C they could slash their gas consumption by 9% – saving households over £100 a year.
Households willing to turn their temperatures down to 55°C could even slash their consumption by 12%.
The trick works if you have a combi-boiler, which provides both hot water and heating – and it’s the most common type of model used by Brits.
But, it’s important to bear in mind that if you have a hot water cylinder, you should keep the dial on 60C to stop the spread of germs and bacteria.
Legionella bacteria flourishes between 20-45 degrees, so it’s important to store water at a higher temperature.
PIP Christmas payment dates
PIP is designed to help with extra living costs if you have a long-term mental or physical health condition or disability.
There are two parts to the benefit which means you can get paid different amounts depending on your circumstances.
The benefit is usually paid every four weeks, but if there’s a Bank Holiday you may receive it earlier.
If your payment date is on a weekend or Bank Holiday you’ll usually be paid one working day before.
That means if you are due to be paid on December 23, 24, 25 and 26 this year you will receive your payment on December 22 instead.
Meanwhile, if you are due to be paid on December 30, 31 or January 1 the cash will land in your account on December 29.
- By Louis Allwood
‘I’d urge people to check if they are eligible’
East Riding Council has now revealed that applications are now being accepted for The Household Support Fund.
Councillor Anne Handley, leader of the council, said: “Many families and others on low income in the East Riding are having an extremely tough time making ends meet during the cost of living crisis. As winter draws in with colder weather, and the Christmas season approaching, things can get harder for many families.
“We hope this money through the Household Support Fund will make a difference.
“These payments are available now to those in need and I’d urge people to check if they are eligible and apply online, as this money is there to help.”
- By Louis Allwood
Payment worth up to £350 available for anyone earning under £28k
The Household Support Fund, which first launched in 2021, helps Brits pay their way through a cost of living crisis.
Each council is allocated a certain amount of money to distribute to lower income families, often who make less than £50,000.
And East Riding Council has now revealed that applications are now being accepted – and will be open until Friday, January 26, 2024.
The payments are available to anybody in the East Riding who is eligible and who has not previously received a payment.
Those who are eligible will receive a payment of £350 within just 20 days.
- By Louis Allwood
Do I need a TV licence?
If you want to watch or record live TV then, yes, you need a licence.
This includes recording it live and watching it later.
Live TV includes all programmes on any channel, including soaps, series, documentaries and even movies.
In addition, the rules apply even if you don't watch the shows on an actual TV – for example, if you watch programmes that are being broadcast live on a PC, laptop, tablet or phone.
A colour TV licence currently costs £159 a year. A licence for watching a black and white TV costs £53.50.
You'll need to apply for a free licence on the TV licensing website or call 0300 790 6117.
- By Louis Allwood
How can I beat the loyalty penalty?
The simplest way to beat the loyalty penalty is by simply switching your mobile contract when it expires.
If you're outside the minimum term of your contract then you won't need to pay a cancellation fee – and you might be able to find a cheaper deal elsewhere.
If you're still in your contract period, you might be charged an exit fee.
But don't just switch contracts because the price is cheaper than what you're currently paying.
Take a look at how many minutes and texts, as well as how much data you're using, to find out which deal is best for you.
Use comparison websites, such as MoneySupermarket and Uswitch to compare the best tarrifs and phone prices.
If you're happy with your provider then it might be worth using your research to haggle a better deal too.
- By Louis Allwood
Millions of Brits could be owed £1,823 compensation
Millions of Brits could be owed £1,823 in compensation from four major mobile firms over "rip-off" charges.
Those who've taken out contracts with Vodafone, EE, Three and O2 could be affected, according to a new class action lawsuit.
Consumer champion and former Citizens Advice executive, Justin Gutmann claims that millions of customers at these telecom firms have fallen victim to the "loyalty penalty".
Mr Gutmann alleges the mobile operators have overcharged five million customers on up to 28.2million contracts since January 2007.
As a result, the class action is seeking damages of at least £3.285 billion.
If the compensation is distributed evenly, contract holders from the mobile network operators listed below are estimated to receive the following amounts:
- Vodafone – up to £1,823
- EE – up to £1,101
- Three – up to £1,817
- O2 – up to £1,178
Warning for thousands of households sent £80 vouchers
Residents in Eastleigh are now being urged not to miss out on their piece of the Household Support Fund benefit.
Those who qualify will receive food vouchers which can be spent at supermarkets.
The central pot of money has come from the Government and is being shared across councils in England, they will distribute their share to residents in need.
That means what you are entitled to varies depending on where you live, although in most cases help is being offered to those on a low income or benefits such as Universal Credit.
Those who qualify in Eastleigh borough will automatically receive instructions in their mail on how to get the vouchers in mid-December.
Working-age recipients will receive a letter with a QR code inside, while pensioners will receive a physical voucher.
- By Louis Allwood
New locations to receive cold weather payment
A slew of new locations are set to receive the cold weather payment as the winter chill sets in.
The money is paid automatically – you don’t need to apply – and includes those on Universal Credit and pension credit.
The following postcodes will receive the cash:
- Newcastle upon Tyne – NE71
- Galashiels – TD9, TD12, TD15
- Derby – DE4, DE45
- Sheffield – S32-33
- Stockport – SK13, SK17, SK22-23
- Stoke-on-Trent – ST9, ST10, ST13
How do you log in to Universal Credit?
Universal Credit claimants can see their online account by logging in via the gov.uk website.
You’ll need your username and password – which are the same ones you had to set up when you first applied for benefits.
If you have forgotten your login details, you can put in a request to reset your username or password by entering your email address.
If you have an online Universal Credit account, you can also sign in via gov.uk verify.
In a worse case scenario, you can always try calling the Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 5644 (Textphone: 0800 328 1344).
You can also get in contact via NGT text relay on 18001 then 0800 328 5644.
There’s a Welsh language helpline available on 0800 328 1744 too.
Will you need to pay the Christmas bonus back?
No, you won’t need to pay the Universal Credit Christmas bonus back.
It also won’t affect any of the other benefits you receive.
You will likely be eligible for the payment if you receive the following benefits:
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Child Disability Payment
- 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
Which benefits will be paid early this Christmas?
Quite a few benefit payments will be affected to accommodate the bank holidays over Christmas and New Year.
The full list of benefits that will be paid early because of Christmas can be seen below:
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Child Benefit
- Disability Living Allowance
- Income Support
- Jobseekers Allowance
- Pension Credit
- Personal Independence Payment
- State Pension
- Universal Credit
- Tax credits (such as Working Tax Credit)
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6…
- 9
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
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