A petition urging the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to increase the Christmas Bonus from £10 has gathered 24,000 signatures ahead of the 2026 payment. The Change.org petition calls on the Labour Party government and the DWP to uprate the sum, which has remained unchanged for over five decades.
The £10 Christmas Bonus was introduced in 1972 to provide extra money to pensioners and some benefit claimants. It was not paid in 1975 and 1976 but was re-introduced in 1977. It has stayed at £10 ever since, apart from a temporary one-off additional £60 paid in early 2009 following the financial crash as part of an economic support package.
Petition highlights 51-year freeze
The petition argues that the bonus has been stagnant for 51 years and should be raised in line with inflation. Using the Bank of England inflation tool, the petitioner calculates that £10 in 1972 would be worth £113.18 today. The petition states: “I was reading about the DWP ‘Christmas Bonus’ .. how many years has it been at £10 now, I wondered? I googled the question and would you believe it’s been £10 since it was introduced.. IN 1972!! It did go up by LABOUR to £70 in 2008 to help with the financial crash, so why can’t the CONSERVATIVES do the same again during the cost of living crisis? And beyond?!”
The petitioner, who describes themselves as disabled, highlights that Christmas is the most expensive time of year and that pensioners, vulnerable people, and disabled individuals could benefit from an extra boost. They note that the energy assistance has been axed and that the £300 cost of living payment often goes on bills the same day it arrives, leaving nothing for Christmas.
DWP confirms £10 payment for 2026
The Christmas Bonus will remain £10 in 2026, according to the DWP. However, the department is offering larger amounts of money through other schemes to some people who receive certain benefits. The bonus is tax-free and paid to individuals who get qualifying benefits such as the state pension or Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in the qualifying week, which is normally the first full week of December. Those claiming universal credit only are not eligible.
The petition implores people to sign and share it, stating: “I implore you to sign & share this, if only because the government wouldn’t like their bonus to be stagnant for 51 years! Then we respectfully ask that our Christmas bonus be raised in line with inflation please, or more.” The petitioner also asks for sharing across platforms, noting their limited social media reach.
The petition’s call comes as the DWP continues to administer the bonus at its historic rate. The outcome of the petition and any potential government response remain to be seen as the 2026 payment period approaches.
