Figures shared by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that in February there were 22 million people across the UK claiming at least one benefit. That number includes nearly 12.5 million older people now in receipt of State Pension payments, a contributory benefit only available to those of retirement age with at least 10 years’ worth of National Insurance Contributions.
However, many people may not be aware of an annual bonus paid to those on certain benefits before Christmas, reports the Daily Record. This is a one-off, tax-free £10 payment made to people in receipt of State Pension or 20 DWP benefits if they meet the eligibility during a specific qualifying period, which is typically the first full week of December - which falls next week.
It’s worth noting that the DWP will make this as a separate payment, independent of your usual one, so it may arrive on a different day.
