Hundreds of thousands of elderly people across the United Kingdom could be eligible for a significant weekly top-up from the Department for Work and Pensions, new figures suggest. Many may be unaware they qualify for this crucial financial support designed to help with daily living costs.
What is the 'Over 80 Pension'?
While the Basic State Pension provides for over 13 million retirees, a separate benefit exists for the oldest in society. Known as the 'Over 80 Pension', this payment is specifically for those aged 80 and above who receive no Basic State Pension or less than £105.70 per week.
The payment tops up income to a guaranteed £105.70 each week. It is vital to understand that this pension is not based on your National Insurance contribution record. Instead, eligibility depends on other criteria including age and residency.
Who Qualifies for the Payment?
According to official guidance on GOV.UK, you can claim if you meet all the following conditions:
- You are aged 80 or over.
- You have lived in the UK for at least 10 years out of any 20-year period. These years do not need to be consecutive, but the 20-year period must include the day before your 80th birthday or a day after.
- You were 'ordinarily resident' in the UK, the Isle of Man, or Gibraltar on your 80th birthday or the date you claim.
- Your Basic State Pension is either non-existent or amounts to less than £105.70 weekly.
A crucial note: You cannot claim the Over 80 Pension if you reached State Pension age on or after 6 April 2016. In that case, you will be eligible for the New State Pension instead.
How to Claim and Boost Your Income Further
You can apply for the Over 80 Pension up to three months before your 80th birthday. Claim forms are available from your local Jobcentre Plus or by contacting the Pension Service directly on 0800 731 7898.
Furthermore, low-income pensioners over 80 should also investigate Pension Credit. This means-tested benefit could provide an average of over £4,300 in extra annual support. Shockingly, DWP data indicates that more than 700,000 eligible pensioners are currently not claiming it.
Pension Credit tops up weekly income to a minimum of £227.10 for singles or £346.60 for couples. Even a small award can unlock help with housing costs, Council Tax, and winter heating bills. An online calculator on GOV.UK allows for a quick eligibility check, or you can call the claim line on 0800 99 1234 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm).
With living costs remaining high, ensuring you receive all the financial support you are entitled to is more important than ever. Experts urge older people, along with their friends and family, to verify their eligibility for these valuable DWP benefits.
