Thousands of Britain's oldest state pensioners are set to receive a significant financial uplift this December, with an extra £422.80 added to their monthly income. This boost comes from a little-known Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) provision known as the 'Over 80 Pension'.
What is the DWP Over 80 Pension?
The Over 80 Pension is a separate payment designed to support retirees who have reached the age of 80. It is specifically aimed at those who receive a basic State Pension of less than £105.70 per week, or who have no basic State Pension entitlement at all. For the 2025/26 tax year, the payment tops up an individual's weekly income to £105.70, which equates to £422.80 per calendar month.
Eligibility for this top-up is unique because it is not based on an individual's National Insurance contribution record. Instead, it acts as a safety net for older pensioners with limited income from the state system.
How the Payment Works in Practice
The DWP provides a clear example of how the payment functions. If you are 80 years old and your basic State Pension is only £43 per week, the Over 80 Pension would top it up by £62.70, bringing your total weekly income to the guaranteed £105.70.
This support comes at a critical time, as noted by personal finance expert Amy Knight from NerdWallet UK. "The Bank of England’s latest forecast suggests the Consumer Price Index (CPI) could hit 3.7% later this year, pushing up the price of essential goods and services," she explained.
Knight also highlighted the political context surrounding state pension funding, stating: "Funding the state pension is a huge cost for the Government... However, the three main political parties have all pledged to maintain the triple lock."
How to Claim Your Over 80 Pension
Claiming the payment is a straightforward process. Eligible individuals can request a claim form in one of three ways:
- From your local Jobcentre Plus office.
- From the Pension Service.
- By calling the Pension Service on 0800 731 7898 to have a form sent to you.
The earliest you can submit a claim is three months before your 80th birthday. It is crucial for those approaching this milestone, or who have recently turned 80 and are on a low pension, to check their eligibility and apply to ensure they receive the full support available.
For context on standard pensions, to receive the full new state pension of £176.45 per week, the required qualifying years vary. Men born between 1945 and 1951 typically need 30 qualifying years, while women born between 1950 and 1953 also need 30. Those with fewer qualifying years receive a reduced amount.
The Over 80 Pension ensures that the very oldest in society are not left behind, providing a vital income supplement to help cover rising living costs.
