Thousands of pensioners across the UK could be entitled to up to £105.70 per week from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) under the Over 80 Pension scheme.
This little-known benefit supports elderly individuals who either don’t receive the Basic State Pension or get less than £105.70 a week. The payment is not based on National Insurance contributions and aims to help cover essential daily living costs.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for the Over 80 Pension, you must meet the following criteria:
- You are aged 80 or over.
- You either don’t receive the Basic State Pension or receive less than £105.70 per week.
- You were ordinarily resident in the UK, Isle of Man, or Gibraltar on your 80th birthday (or on the date you make your claim, if later).
- You lived in the UK for at least 10 out of the past 20 years, including either the day before your 80th birthday or any day after.
If you reached State Pension age on or after 6 April 2016, you are not eligible for this benefit and instead fall under the New State Pension rules.
How to Apply
You can apply up to three months before your 80th birthday. Claim forms are available from your local Jobcentre Plus or the Pension Service. To request one, call 0800 731 7898.
Full guidance is available on the GOV.UK website, including details for UK nationals who live in or plan to move to the EU, EEA, or Switzerland.
Additional Support: Pension Credit
In addition to the Over 80 Pension, many pensioners could be eligible for Pension Credit—a tax-free income boost for those on low incomes.
Currently, it ensures a minimum weekly income of:
- £227.10 for single pensioners
- £346.60 for couples
You must be over State Pension age and live in Great Britain to qualify.
The fastest way to check eligibility is by using the online Pension Credit calculator on the GOV.UK website. Alternatively, you can apply by calling the Pension Credit helpline at 0800 99 1234, open Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm.
Why It Matters
With rising costs and energy bills continuing to pressure older households, it’s crucial that pensioners are aware of every form of support available to them. The Over 80 Pension and Pension Credit are valuable tools for boosting financial stability during retirement.
Even if you receive some form of pension already, it’s worth checking if you qualify for these additional DWP benefits—you could be missing out on over £4,300 a year in extra support.