The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that individuals receiving the basic state pension may be entitled to an additional weekly payment, known as the ‘Over 80 Pension’. This pension is specifically aimed at men born before 1951 and women born before 1953.
Under current DWP regulations, those aged 80 or over who either receive no basic state pension or have a weekly income below £110.75 could be eligible for this extra support. The Over 80 Pension ensures that qualifying individuals receive at least £110.75 per week, either providing the full amount if they do not get any basic state pension, or topping up their existing pension to reach this figure.
To claim the Over 80 Pension for the tax year 2026 to 2027, applicants must be aged 80 or older and have a basic state pension of less than £110.75 per week, or none at all. Additionally, claimants must have been residents in the UK for at least 10 years within the 20 years leading up to their 80th birthday or the date of claim, though these years do not have to be consecutive. They must also be ordinarily resident in the UK, the Isle of Man, or Gibraltar on their 80th birthday or the date they submit their claim if later.
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It is important to note that eligibility for the Over 80 Pension does not depend on National Insurance contributions. However, the payment is considered taxable income and may affect other income-related benefits a claimant receives. Therefore, recipients must declare this pension as income when applying for or receiving other benefits.
Claimants are also required to inform the Pension Service of any changes in their circumstances, such as changes of address or bank details, to ensure correct payment amounts. The top-up adjusts according to the amount of basic state pension received. For example, an 80-year-old who receives £45 per week in basic state pension could receive an additional £66.75 per week to bring their total to £110.75.
Those who believe they qualify are encouraged to check their eligibility with the Pension Service to receive any additional payments they may be entitled to.