Thousands of older pensioners across the UK could be entitled to a significant monthly income boost from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The so-called 'over 80 pension' provides a regular top-up for those aged eighty and above who receive a low basic State Pension or none at all.
Who is Eligible for the Over-80 Pension?
The key eligibility criteria are straightforward. You must be aged 80 or over. Furthermore, you must either receive a basic State Pension of less than £105.70 per week, or get no basic State Pension whatsoever.
This provision is specifically designed for older retirees who may have incomplete National Insurance records. To receive the full basic State Pension, individuals typically require 30 qualifying years of National Insurance contributions. Many people, especially older women, have gaps in their record due to historical employment patterns or caring responsibilities, resulting in a lower weekly payment.
How Much Could You Receive?
The over-80 pension acts as a top-up, bringing your total weekly basic pension income to £105.70. This translates to a maximum of £422.80 extra every four weeks, or roughly £105.70 per week, which can provide vital support for everyday living costs.
The exact amount you receive depends on your current basic State Pension. For example, the DWP illustrates that an 80-year-old currently getting £43 per week would receive a £62.70 weekly top-up, reaching the £105.70 threshold.
It is crucial to note that this support is not available to younger pensioners who receive the new State Pension. It applies specifically to those on the older basic State Pension system, which generally includes men born before 6 April 1951 and women born before 6 April 1953.
Claiming Your Entitlement
This payment is not automatic; you must make a claim to the DWP. If you believe you or a family member may be eligible, it is essential to contact the Pension Service to start an application. The extra income could make a substantial difference to financial wellbeing in later life.
A DWP spokesperson confirmed the rules, stating: “The over-80 pension is a state pension for people aged 80 or over. To be eligible you must get either a basic state pension of less than £105.70 a week, or no basic state pension at all.”
With the cost of living remaining a pressing concern for many retirees, ensuring you receive all benefits you are entitled to is more important than ever. The over-80 pension represents a significant, often overlooked, source of support for the UK's oldest pensioners.
