State pensioners born before 1946 may be eligible for an extra top-up payment from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The amount depends on the basic State Pension received, if any.
Eligibility for the over 80 pension
The over 80 pension provides up to £110.75 per week in the 2026-2027 tax year. To qualify, you must be 80 or over and either receive a basic State Pension of less than £110.75 a week or have no basic State Pension at all. Those who reached State Pension age on or after 6 April 2016 are not eligible.
How the top-up works
If you do not get the basic State Pension or receive less than £110.75 a week, the DWP may top up your payments to that amount. For example, the DWP website states: 'For example, you’re 80 years old and you get £45 a week basic State Pension, your basic State Pension may be topped up by £66.75 to £110.75 a week.'
Other conditions
Applicants must have been resident in the UK for at least 10 years out of a 20-year period, which must include the day before turning 80 or any day after. Alternatively, you must have been 'ordinarily resident' in the UK, the Isle of Man, or Gibraltar on your 80th birthday or the date of claim. The over 80 pension is not based on National Insurance contributions.
Impact on other benefits
The over 80 pension counts as taxable income and may affect other benefits. You must include it as income when claiming other income-related benefits. For those living in or moving to a European Economic Area country or Switzerland, the DWP provides information on pensions and benefits for UK nationals.
