The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has been urged to enhance the £10 Christmas Bonus, a payment originally instituted in 1972. This bonus, designed to provide financial relief to eligible individuals on low incomes during the festive season, has remained unchanged for decades despite significant economic shifts, including inflation and rising living costs. Critics argue that the current amount fails to meet contemporary needs, thereby diminishing its intended impact on alleviating poverty during a time when many households face heightened financial pressures.
The call for an increase is supported by various advocacy groups and policymakers who contend that the bonus should reflect current economic realities. The cost of living crisis exacerbated by factors such as inflation and energy price hikes has disproportionately affected vulnerable populations. An increase in the Christmas Bonus could serve as a vital lifeline for many families struggling to make ends meet during a traditionally expensive period. Furthermore, enhancing this benefit could stimulate local economies by encouraging spending among low-income households.
Thousands of people have signed a petition asking the Government to increase the £10 Christmas bonus from the Department for Work and Pensions.
The Christmas Bonus is a one-off tax-free £10 payment made to people who get certain benefits in the qualifying week. This is normally the first full week of December.
"It did go up by LABOUR to £70 in 2008 to help with the financial crash, so why can’t the CONSERVATIVES do the same again during the cost of living crisis? And beyond?! 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.
Some 22 benefits are eligible for the £10 payment, however, 6.7 million people claiming Universal Credit do not qualify.
The DWP will make this as a separate payment, independent of your scheduled State Pension or benefit payment, so it may arrive on a different day.
Nobody needs to apply for the extra £10 as it should automatically go into the account where you usually receive your benefit payment or State Pension. It will show as ‘DWP XB’ on bank statements and online accounts.
People in Scotland claiming Adult Disability Payment, Child Disability Payment or Carer Support Payment, will also be eligible for the payment - but it will come from DWP and not Social Security Scotland.
Around 14,900 people have signed the Change.org petition, which was originally started in October 2023, when the Conservatives were in power. It is still attracting signatures.
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