State Pensioners to Receive Christmas “Bonus” from DWP
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is ensuring that state pensioners who missed out on the £300 Winter Fuel Payment will still receive some festive cheer in the form of a Christmas “bonus”. This £10 payment, also known as the benefits Christmas bonus, is set to be distributed in December to eligible individuals, providing some relief from the financial strains of the holiday season.
This one-off boon, which has been in place since 1972, requires no action from recipients as it is automatically deposited into the accounts of those who qualify. The DWP emphasizes that this bonus does not need to be repaid and does not impact any other benefits that recipients may be receiving.
Eligibility for the Christmas Bonus
If you are on the list to receive benefits such as Armed forces independence payment, Attendance allowance, Carer’s allowance, Child disability payment, Constant attendance allowance, Contribution-based employment and support allowance, or Disability living allowance, you are eligible to receive the Christmas Bonus. Additionally, individuals receiving Incapacity benefit at the long-term rate, Industrial death benefit, Mobility supplement, Pension credit guarantee, Personal independence payment (PIP), State pension, Severe disablement allowance, Unemployability supplement or allowance, or War disablement pension will also qualify for the payment.
Other beneficiaries include those receiving War widow’s pension, Widowed mother’s allowance, Widowed parent’s allowance, and Widow’s pension. The DWP confirms that the bonus will be deposited into the same account where beneficiaries normally receive their payments.
How to Receive the Christmas Bonus
The DWP advises that recipients do not need to claim the Christmas Bonus, as it will be automatically credited to their accounts. If you believe you are eligible for the bonus but have not received it by 1 January, you are encouraged to contact the Jobcentre Plus office handling your payments or the Pension Service for assistance.
For couples who are married, in a civil partnership, or cohabiting and both receive one of the qualifying benefits, each partner is entitled to their own Christmas Bonus payment.
Conclusion
The Christmas “bonus” provided by the DWP serves as a small token of support for state pensioners who may have missed out on the Winter Fuel Payment. This additional financial assistance can help alleviate some of the pressures that come with the holiday season, allowing recipients to enjoy a bit of festive cheer during this time of year. If you believe you are eligible for the Christmas Bonus but have not received it, be sure to reach out to the appropriate office for further assistance.