Christmas Bonus to rise in line with inflation

Friday 15 September 2023

More than 5,000 eligible islanders will see a £30 increase in their Christmas Bonus, after a Reform Deputy's proposal received unanimous backing in the States Assembly.

The December payment, which is made to pensioners on Income Support, members of the Pension Plus scheme, and some islanders in receipt of disability or carers support, will now receive £114.19 instead of £84.87.

The increase has been agreed to keep the bonus in line with inflation, as the amount has remained the same since 2016.

All 46 States members who were present in the Assembly this week voted to approve the proposition, with zero votes against and zero abstentions.

Deputy Rob Ward of Reform Jersey had chosen not to bring forward the second part of his proposition, which asked the Social Security Minister to raise the bonus each March to coincide with the regular RPI change.

Pictured: Deputy Ward said inflation disproportionately affects pensioners on low income.

Deputy Ward said the increase aimed to "rebalance the value" of the payment and that there was "growing evidence of pensioners facing increased hardship due to the increasing cost of living."

He described the £151,000 estimated cost of the increase as 'a relatively small amount of money' but he said it could have a significant impact for pensioners around Christmas.