DWP to hand extra cash boost to recipients of Winter Fuel Payment

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is set to hand an additional cash boost Brits who are still eligible for this year's winter fuel payment. The annual tax-free payment used to be given to all pensioners but is now only available to retirees on Pension Credit, or those receiving certain six other means-tested benefits.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves blamed the move on a £22 billion black hole in the public finances left by the Tories, which they have denied. The cash will be given to anyone still claiming at least one of the qualifying benefits during the qualifying week for the bonus.

The qualifying week is usually the first whole week of December, which this year is December 1 - December 8. It is paid automatically meaning that there is no need to apply, The Daily Express reports.

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During the festive month, most people claiming DWP benefits will be entitled to this year's £10 Christmas bonus. All state pensioners are also eligible, irrespective of their income. Universal Credit recipients are only entitled to the bonus if they also receive one of the qualifying benefits.

The payment should appear on bank statements as "DWP XB". If you don't receive the payment automatically and you believe that you should, you will need to contact your local Jobcentre Plus or Pension Centre.

Here's a full list of all the benefits that qualify for the cash boost:

• Armed forces independence payment

• Attendance allowance

• Carer's allowance

• Child disability payment

• Constant attendance allowance

• Contribution-based employment and support allowance

• 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

• Severe disablement allowance

• Unemployability supplement or allowance

• War disablement pension

• War widow's pension

• Widowed mother's allowance

• Widowed parent's allowance

• Widow's pension