Millions of older people and individuals receiving specific benefits across the UK are set to receive an extra financial boost in the run-up to Christmas. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed it will be issuing its annual, one-off Christmas Bonus during December.
Who Qualifies for the Payment?
The tax-free £10 payment is designed to provide support over the expensive festive period. It is targeted at more vulnerable groups, including those of state pension age and people claiming certain disability benefits.
The cash will be paid automatically into bank accounts, meaning there is no need to apply. The qualifying week is typically the first full week of December, with payments following shortly after.
Which Benefits Make You Eligible?
This payment is not just for state pensioners. A range of other benefit claimants will also receive the bonus. The list includes individuals receiving:
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Attendance Allowance
For pensioners, this £10 bonus comes on top of other winter support such as the Winter Fuel Payment and the Warm Home Discount scheme.
A Tradition Under Scrutiny
The Christmas Bonus has become a source of annual discussion. While intended to help with added costs, the payment rate has remained unchanged for half a century.
This means its real-world value has significantly diminished due to inflation since it was first introduced. Critics argue that the sum should be increased substantially to make a meaningful difference to recipients' finances. The Government, however, has consistently resisted calls to raise the payment amount.
A Government statement on the bonus confirms: "The Christmas Bonus is a one-off tax-free £10 payment made before Christmas, paid to people who get certain benefits in the qualifying week. You do not need to claim - you should get paid automatically."
