Thousands of state pensioners could be in line for a one-off Christmas bonus payment. The Christmas bonus was introduced by former Conservative Prime Minister Ted Heath in 1972.

Since then, it has not increased since its launch, and in today's money, it would be worth around £118. But to qualify for the bonus, you need to meet specific requirements, and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will contact eligible claimants in December.

Almost 24 million people across Britain now receive at least one benefit from the Department for Work and Pensions.

The figure includes 13 million pensioners claiming the State Pension, eight million on Universal Credit and 3.8 million receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP). However, many people, including new pensioners and those receivi

See Full Page