Millions on benefits and Universal Credit to get EXTRA payment before the end of the year
THOUSANDS of households on benefits are set to receive a cash boost from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) before the end of the year.
The £10 payment, known as the benefits Christmas bonus, is typically paid to eligible households in December to help with extra costs during the festive season.
However, critics say the cash payout should be far higher.
The bonus was first introduced in 1972 and hasn’t risen during this time meaning its impact has reduced for benefit recipients.
If the payment had risen in line with inflation it would now be worth a bumper £114.95 – enough to cover the cost of a big Christmas shop for the family.
However, £10 these days doesn’t stretch very far.
David Southgate, policy manager at disability equality charity Scope, said the Christmas bonus feels like a “drop in the ocean”.
He added: “The wider issue is that far too many disabled people who rely on benefits can’t even afford basic essentials like food and heating.
“The government urgently needs to reform our broken welfare system so benefits cover everyone’s essential costs.”
The new government could mean a change to the payment.
Any amendments would likely be announced in the Autumn Budget which is due to take place on October 30.
Dr Steffan Evans, head of policy at charity The Bevan Foundation, previously told The Sun any increase to the bonus would be “hugely appreciated” and urged the government to consider raising the amount.
He said: “There is such a huge gap between benefits and actual living costs. We’re calling on the DWP to consider raising the bonus in line with the cost of living, along with other benefits.”
How do I claim the Christmas bonus?
Anyone entitled to the payment doesn’t need to apply and will have it paid automatically.
And as it’s a bonus it doesn’t need to be repaid and won’t affect any other benefits you receive.
If you’re getting any of the benefits below, will be paid to you automatically.
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Child Disability Payment
- Constant Attendance Allowance (paid under Industrial Injuries or War Pensions schemes)
- Contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance (once the main phase of the benefit is entered after the first 13 weeks of claim)
- Disability Living Allowance
- Incapacity Benefit at the long-term rate
- Industrial Death Benefit (for widows or widowers)
- Mobility Supplement
- Pension Credit – the guarantee element
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- State Pension (including Graduated Retirement Benefit)
- Severe Disablement Allowance (transitionally protected)
- Unemployability Supplement or Allowance (paid under Industrial Injuries or War Pensions schemes)
- War Disablement Pension at State Pension age
- War Widow’s Pension
- Widowed Mother’s Allowance
- Widowed Parent’s Allowance
- Widow’s Pension
You’ll get it paid into the same account where you normally receive your benefit payments.
But it’s worth keeping an eye on your account to make sure that you received it in December.
If you think that you qualify but don’t receive the payment automatically you should contact your local Jobcentre Plus or Pension Centre.
Are you missing out on benefits?
YOU can use a benefits calculator to help check that you are not missing out on money you are entitled to
Charity Turn2Us’ benefits calculator works out what you could get.
Entitledto’s free calculator determines whether you qualify for various benefits, tax credit and Universal Credit.
MoneySavingExpert.com and charity StepChange both have benefits tools powered by Entitledto’s data.
You can use Policy in Practice’s calculator to determine which benefits you could receive and how much cash you’ll have left over each month after paying for housing costs.
Your exact entitlement will only be clear when you make a claim, but calculators can indicate what you might be eligible for.