Are You 80 or Older? DWP Clarifies £55 Weekly State Pension Increase for Those Born Before This Date

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in the UK has clarified the conditions under which people aged 80 and above may receive a significant increase in their state pension. This increase is for individuals who qualify under specific rules. Let’s dive deeper into this program and explore the eligibility criteria, how to claim, and what the increase entails.

What is the Over 80 Pension?

The Over 80 Pension is a special state pension given to individuals who are 80 years or older. This pension is for people who either don’t receive a state pension or receive a state pension that is less than £101.55 per week (this amount will increase to £105.70 in April 2025). It’s important to note that this pension is available to those who are residents of the UK.

As of the quarter ending in May 2024, there were 87,299 people receiving this pension, both within the UK and abroad. If you are over 80 and meet the criteria, you might be eligible to receive this increase. But first, let’s take a closer look at who qualifies.

Who is Eligible for the Over 80 Pension?

Eligibility for this increase depends on certain conditions. Let’s break them down clearly:

• Age Requirement: You need to be 80 years old or above.
• Basic State Pension: You must not be receiving the full basic state pension. If your weekly pension is less than £101.55 (set to increase to £105.70 in 2025), you may qualify.
• Residency: You must have lived in the UK for at least 10 years within a 20-year period, ending on the day before your 80th birthday or any day after. These 10 years do not have to be consecutive.
• Ordinary Residency: You need to be living in the UK, Isle of Man, or Gibraltar on your 80th birthday or when you make your pension claim.

It’s important to note that National Insurance contributions do not affect eligibility for the over 80 pension.

How Much Will the Pension Increase?

The over 80 pension is designed to top up your basic state pension if it’s below the required minimum. For example, if an individual is receiving a basic state pension of £43 per week, they could see their weekly amount increase to £101.55, with a top-up of £58.55.

This pension is not available for people who reached the State Pension age after April 6, 2016, as they are included in the new State Pension framework.

How to Claim the Over 80 Pension

If you meet the eligibility requirements and need to claim the over 80 pension, here are the steps to follow:

1. Claiming Early: You can start your claim up to three months before your 80th birthday.
2. Claiming Process: You need to obtain a claim form. This can be done by contacting the Pension Service or visiting your local Jobcentre Plus.
3. Contacting the Pension Service: To request a claim form, call the Pension Service on 0800 731 7898. There is also a textphone service at 0800 731 7339 for those who are hard of hearing. If you prefer British Sign Language (BSL), you can use the video relay service available for computer, mobile, or tablet users.
4. Other Language Support: If you need assistance in Welsh, you can contact the service at 0800 731 7936 or use the textphone service at 0800 731 7013.

Contact Hours:

The Pension Service is available Monday to Friday from 8 am to 6 pm, except on public holidays.

Key Dates and Amounts

For the tax year 2024 to 2025, the minimum amount an individual may receive is £101.55 per week. This will increase to £105.70 after April 2025. However, your total pension amount will depend on how much basic state pension you are already receiving.

How the Over 80 Pension Benefits People

This pension is essential for those who are older and do not have enough pension savings. The increase ensures that pensioners receive a minimum amount to live comfortably. Additionally, since it is non-contributory, people who haven’t paid enough National Insurance contributions can still benefit from this support.

The Department for Work and Pensions aims to help those most in need by offering this top-up. The automatic increase means that eligible individuals do not have to apply if they meet the criteria. This is a significant relief for pensioners who may be struggling to keep up with living costs.

Conclusion

The Over 80 Pension increase is a significant development that can provide much-needed financial support to people over the age of 80. If you or someone you know fits the eligibility criteria, make sure to check the details and submit a claim to receive the additional funds. This initiative helps ensure that senior citizens can live with dignity and comfort, especially if their pension amount is lower than the minimum required.

This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.