The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is set to issue bumper payments of £110.75 per week to state pensioners born before 1946. This extra financial support, known as the 'Over 80 Pension', is available to individuals aged 80 or over who receive little or no State Pension.
Eligibility for the Over 80 Pension
To qualify, applicants must be aged 80 or over and either not receive the basic State Pension or receive less than £110.75 a week for the 2026 to 2027 tax year. Unlike the standard State Pension, this top-up is not based on National Insurance contributions. However, claimants must have been resident in the UK, the Isle of Man, or Gibraltar for at least 10 years out of a 20-year period. This period must include the day before the claimant turned 80 or any day thereafter.
How Much You Can Get
The amount awarded depends on the individual's existing basic State Pension. If you receive no basic State Pension or less than £110.75 per week, the DWP will top it up to that amount. For example, a person receiving £45 per week in basic State Pension would see their payment increased by £66.75, bringing it to £110.75 per week.
The DWP states: "For example, you’re 80 years old and you get £45 a week basic State Pension, your basic State Pension may be topped up by £66.75 to £110.75 a week."
Important Considerations
Since the Over 80 Pension counts as taxable income, it may affect other benefits you receive. Claim forms can be obtained from your local Jobcentre Plus or the Pension Service, as outlined on the Labour Party government website. The earliest you can apply is three months before your 80th birthday.
This initiative aims to provide additional financial security for the oldest pensioners, ensuring they receive a minimum weekly income of £110.75.
