The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that a special one-off Christmas bonus will be paid to millions of people receiving certain benefits this December. This festive boost, aimed at helping some of the most vulnerable in society, is set to provide £10 to eligible claimants. While this payment has been a staple of the holiday season for decades, it remains a topic of debate due to its unchanged amount since the 1970s.
A Long-Standing Tradition with Limited Growth
The Christmas Bonus, introduced in 1972, is a one-off, tax-free £10 payment for individuals receiving specific benefits. This year, as in previous ones, the bonus will be paid automatically to eligible claimants, with no need for them to apply. According to the DWP,
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. This is normally the first full week of December.
The payment will be deposited into the same account where claimants receive their usual benefits. It will typically appear on their bank statement under the reference “DWP XB.”
However, the bonus amount has remained unchanged since its introduction. Despite calls for an increase, it has stayed at £10, which many argue is insufficient given today’s higher living costs. The DWP aims to ensure that the bonus reaches claimants before Christmas, though the exact payment date may vary depending on the type of benefits a person receives.
Growing Concerns and Calls for Change
The Christmas Bonus has faced increasing scrutiny over the years. A petition launched last year called for an increase in the bonus amount, especially in light of the rising cost of living. The petition emphasized that
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 highlighted that the £10 bonus is simply not enough, particularly for people who are already financially vulnerable. As energy assistance has been reduced, many feel that the bonus should be adjusted to better reflect current economic conditions. The petitioners have respectfully asked that the Christmas bonus be
Raised in line with inflation, please, or more.
What to Do if You Haven’t Received Your Bonus
One of the advantages of the Christmas Bonus is that eligible individuals don’t need to take any action to claim it. As the DWP confirms, claimants “do not need to claim – you should get paid automatically.”
However, if a person believes they should have received the bonus but hasn’t, they are encouraged to contact the relevant services. Martin Lewis from Money Saving Expert (MSE) reassures claimants:
If you are eligible for the £10 you shouldn’t need to do anything to claim it. You should receive it automatically into the account you receive your usual benefits.
If the bonus is missing, claimants should reach out to Jobcentre Plus or the Pension Service. The contact details are as follows:
- Jobcentre Plus: 0800 055 6688
- Pension Service: 0800 731 0469 (for those receiving their state pension only).
The DWP also assures claimants that the bonus will not impact their regular benefit payments, providing some relief to those who are already managing on tight budgets.
