It is small, but it is a useful check: if you are on a qualifying benefit and it does not arrive, contact the office that pays you.
Quick facts
- Amount
- £10, tax-free
- When
- Before Christmas
- Qualifying week
- Normally the first full week of December
- Claim
- No, it is automatic
- Affects other benefits
- No
Who gets it
You get it if you are on at least one qualifying benefit in the qualifying week, and you are present or ordinarily resident in the UK. Qualifying benefits include:
- State Pension
- Pension Credit (the guarantee element)
- Personal Independence Payment
- Disability Living Allowance
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer's Allowance
- Contribution-based ESA, after the first 13 weeks
- Widowed Parent's Allowance and War Widow's Pension
If you have not claimed your State Pension and get none of the other benefits, you will not get it.
If it does not arrive
Contact the office that pays your benefit. In Northern Ireland that is your Jobs and Benefits office, the Northern Ireland Pension Centre, or the Disability and Carers Service. If you get more than one Christmas Bonus, tell them too.
Common questions
How much is the Christmas Bonus?
£10, tax-free.
Do I need to claim the Christmas Bonus?
No. It is paid automatically if you get a qualifying benefit in the qualifying week.
When is the qualifying week?
Normally the first full week of December.
Does the Christmas Bonus affect my benefits?
No.