Thousands of older retirees across the United Kingdom could be entitled to a significant boost to their income, with a special Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) payment worth over £5,400 annually.
What is the Over 80 Pension?
The DWP provides an 'over 80 pension' for individuals who have reached the age of 80. This payment is designed to offer financial support to those who receive either a very low basic State Pension or none at all.
For the 2025 to 2026 tax year, this pension provides a weekly income of £105.70. Over a full year, this adds up to a substantial £5,496.40 in additional support.
Who is Eligible to Claim?
To qualify for this top-up, you must meet specific criteria set by the DWP. Firstly, you must be 80 years of age or older.
Your basic State Pension must be less than £105.70 per week, or you must not be entitled to a basic State Pension whatsoever. Crucially, your eligibility is not based on your National Insurance contribution record.
You must also satisfy residency requirements. Typically, you need to have been resident in the UK for at least 10 years out of a 20-year period. These 10 years do not need to be consecutive. The 20-year period in question must include the day before your 80th birthday or any day after it.
Alternatively, you may qualify if you were 'ordinarily resident' in the UK, the Isle of Man, or Gibraltar on your 80th birthday or on the date you submit your claim, whichever is later.
How to Apply for the Payment
If you believe you meet the conditions, you should act to claim. You can request a claim form from your local Jobcentre Plus or by contacting the Pension Service directly.
The earliest you can apply is three months before your 80th birthday. To have a form sent to you, call the Pension Service helpline on 0800 731 7898. The lines are open Monday to Friday, from 8am to 6pm, excluding public holidays.
Additional contact options are available for those who need them:
- Relay UK (for those who cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 731 7898.
- British Sign Language (BSL) video relay service via computer.
- Welsh language speakers can call: 0800 731 7936.
It is vital for eligible pensioners or their families to check their entitlement, as this DWP pension top-up is not paid automatically and requires a claim. This additional income can make a meaningful difference to the financial wellbeing of the UK's oldest citizens.
