The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed the schedule for this year’s Christmas Bonus payment for millions of benefit claimants amid controversy of its worth.

The payment is worth £10 and has remained virtually unchanged since it was introduced in 1972, drawing widespread criticism from benefit claimants and charities.

The bonus is paid to people who get certain benefits in a specified qualifying week, which is normally the first full week of December.

The payment is then made…