Thousands of Britons aged 80 and above could be missing out on significant weekly pension top-ups from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), with potential payments exceeding £100 every week.
What is the Over-80 Pension Supplement?
The DWP provides an additional state pension payment specifically designed for octogenarians, offering crucial financial support during retirement years. This supplementary payment operates alongside the standard state pension but requires a separate application process.
Who Qualifies for This Extra Payment?
Eligibility hinges on several key criteria:
- You must be aged 80 or above
- You currently receive some state pension, even if it's minimal
- Your weekly state pension amounts to less than £101.75 (for the 2024/25 tax year)
- You were living in England, Scotland or Wales for at least 10 years out of any 20-year period after turning 60
How Much Could You Receive?
The payment effectively boosts your weekly income to £101.75. For example, if your current state pension is £80 weekly, you'd receive an additional £21.75. If you receive no state pension at all, you could claim the full £101.75 amount.
Simple Claims Process
Applying is straightforward through several channels:
- Download and complete form BR 2488 from the GOV.UK website
- Call the Pension Service helpline to request a form by post
- Apply over the phone with a Pension Service advisor
Required information includes: Your National Insurance number, bank or building society details, and information about any state pensions you currently receive.
Don't Miss Out
Many eligible pensioners remain unaware of this valuable benefit. The payment is tax-free, doesn't affect other benefits like Pension Credit, and could provide significant financial relief amid rising living costs.
Claims can be backdated by up to three months, so prompt action could mean receiving a substantial lump sum in addition to ongoing weekly payments.
