DWP slammed over 'meaningless' bonus payment landing in bank accounts

MPs criticise department over £10 one-off payment that does not cover rising energy bills

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has been criticised by MPs over a £10 one-off payment that has been landing in bank accounts this week. The payment, which was announced by the government in May, is intended to help people with the rising cost of living. However, critics have argued that the payment is too small to make a meaningful difference and that it will not cover the rising cost of energy bills.

What is the £10 payment?

The £10 payment is a one-off payment that is being made to people who are in receipt of certain benefits. The payment is not taxable and does not affect any other benefits that you may be receiving. The payment is being made automatically to people who are eligible and does not need to be applied for.

Who is eligible for the £10 payment?

You are eligible for the £10 payment if you are in receipt of one of the following benefits on 25 May 2022:

• Universal Credit
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Income Support
• Pension Credit
• Working Tax Credit
• Child Tax Credit
• Disability Living Allowance
• Personal Independence Payment
• Attendance Allowance
• Carer’s Allowance

When will I receive the £10 payment?

The £10 payment is being made automatically to people who are eligible. The payment should have landed in your bank account by 17 June 2022.

Criticism of the £10 payment

The £10 payment has been criticised by MPs and anti-poverty campaigners. The payment has been described as "meaningless" and "a drop in the ocean" by critics. The payment is too small to make a meaningful difference to people's lives and will not cover the rising cost of energy bills.

Government response

The government has defended the £10 payment, saying that it is part of a wider package of support to help people with the rising cost of living. The government has also said that it is committed to helping people through the cost of living crisis and that it will continue to monitor the situation and take further action if necessary.