State pensioners over the age of 80 are set to receive a £443 top-up in July 2026, thanks to the Category D non-contributory pension. This payment can increase weekly income to £110.75 for those receiving a low State Pension, and may also apply to individuals who were previously not entitled to any State Pension at all.
Category D Pension: Eligibility and Amount
The Category D pension is a non-contributory State Pension for people aged 80 or over, provided they reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016. To qualify, claimants must live in the UK on their 80th birthday (or the date of claim if later) and have lived in the UK for at least 10 years in any 20-year period after turning 60. In some circumstances, eligibility may extend to those who lived in another EEA country.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) explained that the Category D pension tops up the basic State Pension to £110.75 per week. For example, someone aged 80 receiving £45 per week in basic State Pension would see an increase of £66.75, bringing their total to £110.75. Over the course of a year, this equates to an additional £443 in top-ups (based on 52 weeks).
Comparison with Other State Pension Categories
The DWP's Category A Pension is based on an individual's own National Insurance (NI) contributions. A full basic Category A State Pension is £184.90 per week, requiring 30 years of NI contributions or credits. Those with fewer qualifying years receive a reduced amount.
Category B Pensions, meanwhile, are based on a spouse or civil partner's NI contributions. Claimants may be entitled to an increase based on the NI record of a current, former, or deceased spouse or civil partner.
DWP Statement on Top-Up Amounts
A DWP spokesperson said: "What you get depends on how much basic State Pension you get, if any. If you do not get the basic State Pension or you get less than £110.75 a week, you could get the difference paid up to this amount." The spokesperson added: "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."
The top-up is automatic for those already receiving the basic State Pension, but eligible individuals who are not yet claiming should contact the DWP to apply. The Category D pension is non-contributory, meaning it does not require NI contributions, making it a vital support for older pensioners with limited income.
