The “Over 80 Pension”: A vital financial support for people aged 80 and over
There is the possibility to have the “Category D State Pension” or “Over 80” Pension applied for by people aged over 80. This pension is available to those who satisfy specific criteria set out by the Department for Work and Pensions, the DWP. Let’s have a look at who is eligible, what he/she gets out of this pension, and how it is applied.
What is the Over 80 Pension?
This is a non-contributory State Pension designed for individuals who are aged 80 or over and who:
- Are not receiving any State Pension.
- Or are receiving less than the Basic State Pension of £101.55 per week (for 2024–2025).
This pension is designed to top up their income to a minimum of £101.55 per week.
Example:
An 80-year-old getting an 80 Age Pension gets an extra £58.55 a week for a new weekly amount of £101.55.
Who qualifies?
The following conditions must be met in order to qualify for an Over-80 Age Pension:
- Age: The person must be aged 80 or over at the time of application.
- Residence: The person must have lived in the UK, the Isle of Man, or Gibraltar for a minimum of 10 years since their 80th birthday period, but the delay may stretch as far back as 20 years.
- Pension figure: The pension must be less than £101.55 a week, or there should be no earnings.
- Habitual affiliation: The person must have made the UK, Isle of Man, or Gibraltar their habitual residency by the date they turned 80 or by the application’s date.
Key points about the pension:
- National Insurance contributions are not considered while granting the pension.
- The pension is not entitled to persons reaching State Pension age on or after 6 April 2016.
How to apply?
The DWP has made the application process for the Over 80 Pension easy.
Steps to apply:
- Apply before 80th birthday: You can start applying up to 3 months before your 80th birthday.
- Get the form:
- Get your form from your local Jobcentre Plus or The Pension Service.
- You can also order the form by contacting The Pension Service directly.
| Contact Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Telephone | 0800 731 7898 |
| Textphone | 0800 731 7339 |
| Relay UK (if unable to hear/speak) | Dial 18001, then 0800 731 7898 |
| British Sign Language (BSL) Video Relay | Available for computer, mobile, or tablet users |
| Welsh Language Support | 0800 731 7936 |
| Welsh Textphone | 0800 731 7013 |
Operating hours
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm (excluding public holidays).
Processing times: Once you have submitted the form, the DWP will assess eligibility. If you are eligible, the payment will be adjusted so that you receive the full amount of £101.55 per week.
Important information:
- People who will soon be 80 years old (born before 23 January 1965) should check their eligibility.
- People who are only receiving Graduated Retirement Benefit or no state pension will need to submit a claim form.
- Other eligible individuals will have the amount automatically increased.
Conclusion:
The Over 80 pension is a vital economic support for older people. It provides financial stability even without National Insurance contributions. Those who are eligible should apply early to claim this benefit. It not only helps to boost their income, but also makes their lives more secure and self-reliant.
FAQs
Who is eligible for the £58.55 weekly pension rise?
Eligibility depends on meeting specific criteria, including National Insurance contributions and qualifying under the new DWP guidelines.
How do I check if I qualify for the pension increase?
You can check eligibility by contacting the DWP or using their online tools to review your pension status.
Will all pensioners receive the £58.55 weekly increase?
No, only those who meet the DWP’s eligibility requirements, including contribution thresholds, will qualify for the rise.