State Pensioners could receive a bonus payment from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) if they earn less than £106 a week.
This benefit is accessible to those who have reached the eligible retirement age set by the UK Government, which stands at 66 for both men and women, and have made a minimum of 10 years’ worth of National Insurance (NI) contributions.
Despite this, some people aged over 80 who either have no Basic State Pension income or receive less than £105.70 per week could be entitled to additional funds to assist with daily living costs. Currently, the ‘Over 80 Pension’ provides £105.70 each week for those who are not receiving any Basic State Pension, or it tops up their income to this amount.
Some low-income claimants over 80 may also qualify for Pension Credit, which could provide more than £4,300 in additional financial support during the 2025/26 financial year
It’s crucial to note that you cannot claim the ‘Over 80 Pension’ if you reached State Pension age on or after April 6, 2016 – in this case, you would be eligible for the New State Pension.
According to guidance, you can claim the Over 80 Pension if all the following conditions are met:
Your eligibility for the over 80 pension is not based on National Insurance contributions.
You can get a claim form from either your local Jobcentre Plus or the Pension Service
The earliest you can claim is three months before your 80th birthday. You can get a claim form sent to you from the Pension Service by calling 0800 731 7898.
Some older people think because they have savings or own their home they would not be eligible for Pension Credit, which can also provide access to help with housing costs, Winter Fuel Payment and Council Tax.
An award of just £1 per week is enough to unlock other support. New claims made before September which later turn out to be successful, will also be entitled to the 2025/26 Winter Fuel Payment.
Pension Credit tops up weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level of £227.10 a week for single pensioners or £346.60 for couples. It is a tax-free payment for those who:
If you qualify for Pension Credit, you can also obtain other assistance, such as:
You can begin your application up to four months prior to reaching State Pension age. You’re allowed to claim any time after you reach State Pension age, but your claim can only be backdated for three months.
This implies that you could receive up to three months of Pension Credit in your initial payment if you were eligible during that period.
You will require:
If you’re backdating your claim, you’ll need information about your income, savings and investments on the date you wish your claim to commence.
You can use the online service if:
To check your entitlement, phone the Pension Credit helpline on 0800 99 1234 or use the GOV.UK Pension Credit calculator here to find out how much you could get.
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