Brits to get Government Christmas money bonus – discover out should you qualify
Millions of state pensioners are set to receive a Christmas cash bonus this winter, despite the loss of their £300 Winter Fuel Payment. The Winter Fuel Payment, ranging from £200 to £300, has been withdrawn for millions of pensioners, but a small consolation prize in the form of a bonus payment remains.
This bonus, which has been paid to all pensioners since the 1970s, will still be available this winter. However, unlike the state pension, the amount hasn’t been Triple Locked and remains at a 1970s level – it’s a £10 bonus.
Although it may not stretch far in today’s economy, it’s better than nothing and will automatically be transferred to your bank account before December 25. Introduced in 1972, the bonus is intended to help cover additional Christmas-related costs.
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Importantly, the money doesn’t affect your eligibility for other benefits – so, for instance, the £10 won’t be considered as income when determining whether you’ll receive Pension Credit. All state pension recipients who are receiving their pension by December 1, 2024, will get the payment.
However, if you’re eligible for the state pension but have deferred it for any reason, you won’t receive the bonus. It will appear in your bank account as DWP XB, reports the Express.
The £10 bonus isn’t exclusive to those on the state pension; it’s also paid to individuals claiming Carer’s Allowance, Attendance Allowance, Child Disability Payment, Pension Credit, PIP, Incapacity Benefit, Widow’s Pension or Disability Living Allowance, among others.
If you’re on a low income, Pension Credit is the top benefit to consider. It can boost your weekly income to approximately £218, equating to around £11,300 annually.
Plus, it could make you eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment of between £200 and £300, along with other perks like a free TV Licence.
