DWP Christmas Bonus increase

This Christmas, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced a welcome increase to the Christmas Bonus for millions of low-income families and individuals across the UK. The one-off payment, which has been a festive fixture since 1972, will rise from £10 to £15 this year.

This boost to the Christmas Bonus is a small but meaningful gesture that will make a real difference to those who are struggling to make ends meet. For many, the extra £5 will help to cover the cost of Christmas presents, food, or travel to visit loved ones. It is a timely and much-needed boost that will help to ease the financial burden of the festive season.

The Christmas Bonus is paid to those who are in receipt of certain benefits, including Universal Credit, Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance, and Pension Credit. It is paid automatically to those who are eligible, and does not need to be applied for.

The DWP has also confirmed that the Christmas Bonus will continue to be paid to those who are eligible next year, and that the payment will be increased in line with inflation. This is a welcome commitment that will ensure that the Christmas Bonus remains a valuable support for those who need it most.

In addition to the Christmas Bonus, the DWP has also announced a range of other measures to help low-income families and individuals this Christmas. These include a £500 Winter Fuel Payment for pensioners, and a £25 Cold Weather Payment for those who are on benefits and living in areas where the temperature falls below zero.

These measures are a positive step forward in the fight against poverty and inequality in the UK. They will help to make Christmas a little easier for those who are struggling, and they will provide much-needed support throughout the winter months.

If you are eligible for the Christmas Bonus, you should receive it automatically in the first week of December. If you do not receive your payment, you should contact your local Jobcentre Plus office.