Christmas ‘bonus’ handed to millions of pensioners by DWP today is ‘meaningless’ after winter fuel payments cut
A CHRISTMAS ‘bonus’ which was sent out to millions of pensioners following a cut to winter fuel payments has been slammed as “meaningless”.
The free cash, known as the benefits Christmas bonus, is paid to eligible households in December to help with extra costs during the festive season.
Those receiving one of 21 benefits are eligible for the free cash payment.
That’s as long as you still have an active claim for certain benefits this week (December 2 to December 8).
All state pensioners are eligible, irrespective of their income.
However, campaigners say the payout barely scratches the surface as inflation continues to pummel Brits.
“The Christmas bonus is one of those payments which was probably worthwhile when it was first introduced, but half a century of inflation has eroded its value so much as to make it almost meaningless,” Steve Webb, partner at LCP, told The Telegraph.
“Until now, the winter fuel payment gave most pensioners some extra help, but with that payment having been taken away from ten million pensioners, the Government needs to look again at the level of the Christmas bonus”.
Former pensions minister Baroness Ros Altmann, previously stated she would support making the bonus £200 each.
She said: “The money should be part of your state pension and we shouldn’t have all these add-on freebies that are political gimmicks.”
How do I claim?
If you’re eligible for the payment, you won’t have to make a claim and just have to sit tight and wait.
You’ll get it paid into the same account where you normally receive your pension payments.
But still, keep an eye on your account over December to make sure you’ve received it.
The payment should show up in your bank statement as “DWP XB”.
If you think you qualify but don’t receive a payment automatically, you should contact your local Pension Centre.
You can find your nearest centre, including its phone number and address, by going on the Government’s website.
State Pension loophole
Your partner may still get the £10 bonus if you are both over the State Pension age by the end of the qualifying week.
One of you will need to claim a qualifying benefit, such as Pension Credit.
Both of you will also need to be aged either 66 or above by the start of December.
So, for example, a retired husband may be claiming Pension Credit and his wife is not, but his claim makes them both eligible for the bonus.
However, you will not get the money paid out separately – instead, a total of £20 will be paid in one account.
And bear in mind that your partner who is claiming must also be entitled to an increase in their qualifying benefit.
So, for example, you can be entitled to an increase in Pension Credit if you start living with your partner.
The benefit tops up your weekly income to £213 if you’re single or your joint weekly income to £332.95 if you have a partner.
If an increase in benefit is paid for an adult partner that should be shown on the benefit award letters sent out annually, or when the benefit was first claimed.
It will usually say something like “extra amount paid for your partner” and give a figure.
If the benefit is pension credit the award letter will say something like “amount for you and your partner”.
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.