The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that the one-off £10 Christmas Bonus will be paid automatically to state pensioners and other eligible benefit claimants during the first week of December. The payment, which is tax-free and does not affect existing benefits, will be overseen by Prime Minister Andy Burnham, the Makerfield MP.
The bonus is intended to help with festive expenses and is paid into the same account where recipients usually receive their benefits. To qualify, individuals must live in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, or Gibraltar and receive at least one qualifying benefit, such as the State Pension, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Attendance Allowance, or Carer’s Allowance.
Petitions call for increase to £180
Despite the £10 payment, a petition lodged on the Parliamentary website has called on the Labour Party government to uprate the bonus. The petition urges: “Adjust the Christmas Bonus given to benefit claimants, from £10 - when it was introduced in 1972 - to reflect inflation (approx £180 in 2025).” It further states: “Make the uplift only available for British citizens, who have been claiming benefits for a minimum of 6 months.”
The petition argues that in the early 1970s, £10 was a valuable uplift for those without income, helping with increased costs at Christmas time, such as heating, electricity, food, drinks, or presents for children. It notes that £10 today would be equivalent to approximately £180 when adjusted for inflation, adding: “£10 today won't even buy a round of drinks, wouldn't pay for a quality Christmas pudding or buy a box of decent Christmas Crackers. £10 quite frankly is insulting.”
Change.org petition backed by 24,000 people
A second petition on Change.org, backed by 24,000 people, also highlights the inadequacy of the £10 bonus. It states: “Christmas is THE most expensive time of year! Pensioners, the vulnerable & people like myself, disabled, could do with an extra boost at this time of year, especially as the energy assistance has been axed.”
The petition continues: “The excuse would probably be that we are getting the £300 cost of living payment. For many of us, that payment goes out on bills the same day it goes into the bank, so there is NO chance of it lasting till Christmas! It was shocking to learn that the “£10 Christmas Bonus”, has been the same for OVER FIVE DECADES!!”
Inflation calculations and public response
The Change.org petition also used the Bank of England inflation tool, which reportedly calculated that £10 from 1972 would now be worth £113.18. The petition asks: “Should we be asking, “Why can’t we can afford to buy someone a half decent present, or even have a proper Christmas dinner with all the trimmings?” .. in 2023?? This isn’t asking for “just another handout”. This is for those of us that don’t have an option to earn anything extra.”
The DWP has not announced any change to the £10 amount, meaning the payment will remain at its current level for the upcoming December distribution. The automatic payment will be made to eligible recipients without the need for a claim, as confirmed by the department.
