The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is encouraging state pensioners to check their eligibility for an "Over 80 pension," a scheme that could provide an additional £422 per month. This supplementary payment is available to individuals aged 80 and over who receive a basic State Pension of less than £105.70 per week, or no basic State Pension at all. The goal of this top-up is to increase the income of the oldest pensioners in the UK, offering a financial safety net for those with a total weekly income below £176.45.
To qualify for the Over 80 pension, applicants must be at least 80 years old and meet residency requirements. Specifically, they need to have been resident in the UK for at least 10 out of the 20 years preceding their 80th birthday, or any day after, and must have been "ordinarily resident" in the UK, the Isle of Man, or Gibraltar on their 80th birthday or the date of their claim. The amount received will be the difference between their current basic State Pension and the £105.70 weekly cap. For example, someone receiving £43 a week basic State Pension could see it topped up by £62.70 to reach the £105.70 weekly maximum. This benefit is distinct from the basic State Pension, which is based on National Insurance contributions.
