People who receive a Basic State Pension of less than £406 each month may be entitled to an additional payment from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Individuals who are over 80 years old and do not have any Basic State Pension income or receive less than £101.55 per week could receive extra financial assistance to cover their daily living expenses. The over 80 pension is specifically designed for individuals aged 80 and above. To qualify for this pension, you must currently receive a Basic State Pension of less than £101.55 per week or not receive any Basic State Pension at all. In the 2024 to 2025 tax year, this pension can provide £101.55 per week. The amount you receive will depend on your current Basic State Pension amount, if any. If your Basic State Pension is below £101.55 per week or if you do not receive any Basic State Pension, you may be eligible to receive the difference up to this amount. For example, if you are 80 years old and currently receive £43 per week as your Basic State Pension, your pension may be topped up by £58.55 to reach £101.55 per week.
To claim the over 80 pension, you must meet the following criteria: be 80 years old or above, not receive a Basic State Pension or receive less than £101.55 per week in the 2024 to 2025 tax year, have been a resident in the UK for at least 10 years out of the last 20 years (these 20 years do not need to be consecutive) – this period must include the day before your 80th birthday or any day after, or you must have been ‘ordinarily resident’ in the UK, the Isle of Man, or Gibraltar on your 80th birthday or the date of your claim for this pension, if later. If you are living in or planning to move to a European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland, you should inquire about pensions and benefits for UK nationals in these regions. Eligibility for the over 80 pension is not determined by National Insurance contributions. The earliest you can apply for this pension is 3 months before your 80th birthday.
It is important for individuals who may qualify for this additional payment to be aware of the eligibility criteria and the application process in order to receive the financial support they are entitled to. If you believe you meet the requirements for the over 80 pension, it is recommended to submit your application in a timely manner to ensure that you receive the full benefits available to you.
