The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is reaching out to Britain's oldest retirees with news of a significant monthly top-up. Those aged 80 and over could be eligible for an additional £422.80 every month through a specific benefit known as the Over 80 Pension.
Who is eligible for the Over 80 Pension?
This financial support is targeted at the UK's most senior citizens who are on a low income. To qualify, you must be aged 80 or over. Crucially, you must also either receive less than £105.70 per week from the basic State Pension, or get no basic State Pension at all.
The payment acts as a top-up, designed to provide a vital safety net for those who may have gaps in their National Insurance record. Many retirees receive less than the full basic State Pension rate of £176.45 a week because they do not have the required 30 qualifying years of contributions.
How much could you receive?
The top-up is calculated to bring a pensioner's weekly income up to a set level. The DWP illustrates this with an example: an 80-year-old currently receiving a basic State Pension of £43 per week would get an extra £62.70 weekly through the scheme. This would increase their total weekly income to £105.70.
Over a four-week period, this additional support amounts to £422.80. The payment is typically made every four weeks to assist with daily living costs.
Important details and who cannot claim
It is essential to note that this benefit is only for those on the older basic State Pension system. This generally applies to men born before 6 April 1951 and women born before 6 April 1953.
The Over 80 Pension is not available to younger retirees who receive the newer State Pension. The DWP confirms the support is solely intended to bolster the finances of the oldest pensioners who may be struggling on low payments from the older system.
If you or someone you know is over 80 and receives a minimal state pension, contacting the DWP to inquire about this top-up could provide a crucial monthly financial boost.
