You might be seeing extra money from Social Security (SSA) due to the 2.8% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2026, which started in January 2026 for most, or possibly a calendar quirk leading to double payments in October (though not extra funds). Beware of fake news about big lump sums; true extra payments are usually for specific hardships (like disaster relief or Centrelink's Special Benefit in Australia) or advance payments, not general bonuses. Check your SSA statement for details on your COLA or any changes.
Nearly 71 million Social Security beneficiaries will see a 2.8 percent COLA beginning in January 2026. Increased payments to nearly 7.5 million people receiving SSI will begin on December 31, 2025. (Note: Some people receive both Social Security benefits and SSI).
Yes, pensioners often receive extra payments or supplements, primarily through automatic indexation linked to living costs (like recent increases in early 2026) and additional allowances like the Pension Supplement for bills (utilities, phone), Rent Assistance, and the Work Bonus for those who work, with specific amounts depending on individual circumstances.
For Australian Age Pensioners, the "3 additional payments" often refer to components within the Pension Supplement (covering utilities, phone, internet) and potentially other key supplements like Rent Assistance, Energy Supplement, or the Work Bonus, all designed to help with living costs, though specific payments vary by individual circumstances and eligibility. The Pension Supplement itself replaced older allowances, combining basic amounts for utilities and pharmacy costs into one payment, plus an extra Energy Supplement for some.
Set to roll out from late December 2025, this cash payment is part of a national cost-of-living relief package aimed at supporting pensioners, carers, jobseekers, and low-income households facing ongoing financial strain.
In early spring 2025, Canadians who worked in 2023 and earned up to $150,000 will receive a $250 payment—either through a direct deposit in their bank account or cheque in their mailbox.
You'll get the Christmas bonus if: you live in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man or Gibraltar, and. you are present or 'ordinarily resident' in one of these locations during the 'qualifying week', which is normally the first full week of December, and. you get the state pension or another qualifying benefit.
Latest Age Pension rate changes (from 20 September 2025)
From 20 September 2025 the maximum full Age Pension increases $29.70 per fortnight for a single person, and $44.80 combined ($22.40 per person) per fortnight for a couple.
While there's no “$280 bonus,” the figure is not entirely random. It is often a misinterpretation of the standard indexation increase that occurs every March and September. These adjustments raise the base rate of pensions to keep up with the cost of living.
Pension Supplement is a fortnightly amount paid to help you with the cost of prescriptions, rates, telephone and internet connections, energy, water and sewerage.
The Cost of Living Payment is a one-off payment of $250 for eligible payment recipients and concession card holders. The Cost of Living Payment will only be paid once for each person, even if they qualify in multiple ways. Each member of a couple will receive the payment if both are eligible.
From 20 September 2025, the maximum full Age Pension will increase by: $29.70 per fortnight for singles.
Christmas Bonus dates 🎄 📅 The Christmas Bonus will be paid this week starting 1 December 2025. 🎁 This is a once-off double week payment for people getting a long-term social welfare payment. ℹ️ In 2025, the Christmas Bonus is 100% of your normal weekly payment.
information directly from the official source. According to theServices Australiawebsite, the Australian government is planning to provide a cost of living payment to pensioners in January 2025.
About 75 million Americans will see a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment to their Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits in 2026. The increase is expected to add $56 per month on average to Social Security retirement benefits, according to the Social Security Administration.
The Christmas Bonus is paid to long-term social welfare recipients such as pensioners, carers, people with disabilities, lone parents and long-term unemployed people. The full list of qualifying payments for the Christmas Bonus is available on our website.
There are no extra payments for Centrelink customers. If you're not sure if Centrelink information you've seen online is real, search our genuine websites. See the link in the comments for more info 👇 The Guringai Festival had a story about a $750 one off payment for pensioners in December, 2025.
Pension Credit gives you extra money to help with your living costs if you're over State Pension age and on a low income. Pension Credit can also help with housing costs such as ground rent or service charges. This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg) and easy read format.
Instead, the payment of up to £300 per household will be made automatically to all pensioners, however, If you have yearly taxable earnings above £35,000 most of the money will be taken back by HMRC. If you have yearly taxable earnings of £35,000 or less, you will keep the payment.
To be eligible for Age Pension you must be Age Pension age and meet some other rules. Age Pension age is 67 years or older. We use income and assets tests to work out how much Age Pension you get. There are several things to consider when you're preparing to claim Age Pension.
The full rate of new State Pension is £230.25 a week. Your amount could be different depending on: if you were contracted out before 2016. the number of National Insurance qualifying years you have.
Christmas bonuses are typically paid out in early to mid-December, before the holiday season. Though less common, some companies may split the bonus into two payments — one before Christmas and one after the new year.
Most people will receive their payment automatically – no action is needed. Everyone who is eligible will receive a letter with details of their payment. For pensioners with a taxable income of over £35,000, the payment will be taken back through the tax system during 2026/27.
The bonus will be automatically paid to individuals who are receiving eligible Centrelink benefits as of the qualifying date.
Who Qualifies for the $250 Cheques. Along with the GST break, the government of Canada is also planning on offering cheques in the amount of $250 to qualifying middle-class families. In order to qualify for this, you have to have worked in 2023 and had an income below $150,000.