Over 80s in the UK Can Get a Pension Boost—Check If You Qualify for This DWP Benefit

Thousands of elderly people in the UK could be eligible for an extra £101.55 per week thanks to a lesser-known government pension scheme.

The Over 80 Pension, administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), is designed to provide additional financial support to pensioners who receive little or no State Pension.

However, many people who qualify are unaware of the scheme and could be missing out on much-needed income.

What is the Over 80 Pension?

The Over 80 Pension is a non-contributory financial aid program intended to support those aged 80 and over who do not receive a full basic State Pension.

Unlike other pension benefits, eligibility for the Over 80 Pension is not based on National Insurance contributions, making it particularly useful for individuals who may not have built up sufficient contributions over their working lives.

Who is Eligible?

To qualify for the Over 80 Pension, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Age Requirement: You must be 80 years old or older.
• State Pension Amount: Your basic State Pension must be less than £101.55 per week, or you must not receive a State Pension at all.
• Residency: You must have lived in the UK, the Isle of Man, or Gibraltar for at least 10 years out of a continuous 20-year period before turning 80.
• Ordinary Residence: You must have been ordinarily resident in the UK, the Isle of Man, or Gibraltar on your 80th birthday or at the time of applying.

It’s important to note that individuals who reached State Pension age on or after 6 April 2016 are not eligible for this scheme.

How Much Can You Get?

For the tax year 2024-2025, the Over 80 Pension provides up to £101.55 per week. If you already receive a partial State Pension, the Over 80 Pension will top up your payments to reach this amount.

For example:

• If you currently receive £40 per week in State Pension, the Over 80 Pension could add £61.55 per week, bringing your total to £101.55.
• If you receive £95 per week, the Over 80 Pension would add £6.55 per week to bring you to the full threshold.

How to Apply

Applying for the Over 80 Pension is relatively straightforward. You can begin the process three months before turning 80. Here’s how to apply:

1. Request a Claim Form
   • The Over 80 Pension claim form (BR1) is available from the Pension Service or your local Jobcentre Plus office.
   • Forms can also be obtained from Northern Ireland Pension Centre if you live in Northern Ireland.
2. Complete and Submit Your Application
   • Fill out the form with accurate details about your income, residency, and existing pension payments.
   • Submit the completed form by post to the Pension Service.
3. Await Confirmation
   • The DWP will process your claim and notify you of your entitlement.
   • If approved, payments will be backdated to the date of eligibility.

Will This Affect Other Benefits?

The Over 80 Pension is considered taxable income, which means it could affect other income-related benefits you receive. These include:

• Pension Credit
• Housing Benefit
• Council Tax Support

If you receive other benefits, it’s advisable to contact the Pension Service or a financial adviser to understand how the Over 80 Pension might affect your overall financial situation.

Special Considerations

• Hospital Stays: If you are in hospital for more than 52 weeks, your Over 80 Pension payments may be reduced.
• Living Abroad: You can still receive the Over 80 Pension if you move abroad, but in some cases, you might not get the annual increases.

Why This Matters

Many elderly UK residents struggle financially, particularly if they did not accumulate enough National Insurance contributions for a full State Pension. The Over 80 Pension provides a vital financial safety net, ensuring that pensioners receive a minimum level of support.

Unfortunately, thousands of eligible people are not claiming this benefit due to lack of awareness. By spreading the word, families and caregivers can help elderly relatives access the financial support they deserve.

Final Thoughts

If you or a loved one is 80 or older and struggling financially, it’s worth checking whether the Over 80 Pension could provide additional weekly income.

With payments of up to £101.55 per week, this government-backed scheme can significantly improve financial security for elderly residents.

For more details and to start your application, visit Gov.uk or contact the Pension Service directly.

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.