Its website reads: “If you have not claimed your state pension and are not entitled to one of the other qualifying benefits you will not get a Christmas Bonus.”

Thankfully, individuals will not need to take any action to receive or claim the Christmas Bonus. People should get this kind of payment automatically. 

Those who believe they should be entitled to a Christmas Bonus but have not yet received one, are encouraged to contact the Jobcentre Plus office which deals with their payment, or alternatively, the Pension Service. 

Those who are part of a married couple, in a civil partnership, or who are living together as if they are, who both get one of the qualifying benefits will each get a Christmas Bonus of their own.