Key Highlights
- People on state pension and 23 other benefits will get extra payments next month.
- The extra payment is known as the Christmas Bonus and amounts to £10 per person.
- The bonus will be awarded to those who are claiming specific benefits during the first week of December, referred to as the ‘qualifying week’.
- Claimants must be either present or ‘ordinarily resident’ in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, Gibraltar, EEA country, or Switzerland during the qualifying week.
Extra Payments for State Pensioners and Benefit Claimants
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced that people on state pension and 23 other benefits will receive an extra payment next month. Known as the Christmas Bonus, this additional £10 per person is expected to provide financial assistance during the festive season.
Eligibility and Distribution
The bonus will be awarded to those who are claiming specific benefits during the first week of December, referred to as the ‘qualifying week’. This means that claimants must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria by being present or ‘ordinarily resident’ in one of the designated countries during this period. The DWP explains that if you have a partner or civil partner who is also receiving benefits and both are over state pension age, each person will receive a Christmas Bonus.
Eligible Benefits
The 24 benefits eligible for the Christmas Bonus include Personal Independence Payment (PIP), War Widow’s Pension, Carer’s Allowance, Child Disability Payment, Widowed Mother’s Allowance, and several others. The full list can be found on the DWP’s guidance website. It is important to note that this bonus applies only if you are in a married couple, civil partnership, or cohabiting with a partner who also receives qualifying benefits.
Additional Considerations
If you do not receive your Christmas Bonus by January 1, the DWP advises contacting either the Pension Service or your local Jobcentre Plus office, depending on who manages your payments. The bonus is typically paid into the same bank account where you receive benefits, pensions, and allowances, and may be recognized as ‘DWP XB’ on your bank statement.
Claimants are encouraged to check their eligibility for the one-off payment to ensure they do not miss out. According to the Mirror, this year anyone receiving 24 benefits may be entitled to the Christmas Bonus.
Conclusion
The Christmas Bonus is a welcome financial boost for state pensioners and benefit claimants ahead of the festive season. With careful planning and awareness of eligibility criteria, individuals can ensure they receive these additional funds. As always, it’s important to stay informed about government schemes and benefits to make the most of available support.
