People over the age of 80 in the UK could be entitled to a weekly payment of £105.70 from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), known as the Over 80 Pension. This benefit is available to those who receive no Basic State Pension or less than £105.70 per week, and is not based on National Insurance contributions.
To qualify, individuals must be 80 or over, have no Basic State Pension or receive less than £105.70 weekly, and have lived in the UK for at least 10 years since turning 60. Those who reached State Pension age on or after 6 April 2016 are not eligible, as they fall under the New State Pension system.
Applications can be made up to three months before an 80th birthday by calling the Pension Service on 0800 731 7898. The Over 80 Pension provides either the full £105.70 or tops up existing Basic State Pension to that amount.
Low-income over-80s may also qualify for Pension Credit, which could provide over £4,300 in additional annual support. Nearly 1.4 million pensioners currently receive Pension Credit, but an estimated 700,000 eligible individuals are not claiming it.
Pension Credit supplements weekly income to a guaranteed minimum of £227.10 for single pensioners or £346.60 for couples. Even a small award of £1 per week can unlock extra help with housing costs, winter heating, and Council Tax. Eligibility can be checked via the online Pension Credit calculator on GOV.UK or by calling 0800 99 1234.
