The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is providing additional financial support for individuals aged 80 and over, who may face challenges in meeting their daily living expenses. Those who do not receive a Basic State Pension or receive less than £105.70 per week could be eligible for an extra payment known as the ‘Over 80 Pension’. This initiative aims to offer assistance to older individuals who find themselves in financial need.
Under the current regulations, individuals born before 1945 may qualify for an additional £105.70 each week. If they do not receive any Basic State Pension income, this payment will supplement their income to reach that amount. Furthermore, individuals with low incomes may also be eligible for Pension Credit, a program designed to provide financial assistance for those who qualify.
To be eligible for the Over 80 Pension, applicants must meet several criteria. They must be aged 80 or older, and either not receive a Basic State Pension or receive less than £105.70 weekly. Additionally, they should have been resident in the UK for at least 10 years out of the past 20 years, which does not need to be consecutive. This period must include the day before they turned 80 or any day after they were ‘normally resident’ in the UK, the Isle of Man, or Gibraltar on their 80th birthday or at the time of their claim.
Applications for the Over 80 Pension can be made as early as three months before an individual’s 80th birthday. It is important to note that the Over 80 Pension is considered taxable income, which may impact other benefits a claimant is receiving. Therefore, individuals must include this income when applying for other income-related benefits.
For those residing in or planning to relocate to a country within the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, information regarding pensions and benefits applicable to UK nationals is available. Eligibility for the Over 80 Pension does not depend on National Insurance contributions, making it accessible to a broader range of individuals.
The DWP continues to support older individuals, ensuring that those in need have access to resources that can help improve their quality of life. With the Over 80 Pension, the government aims to alleviate some of the financial pressures faced by the elderly population in the UK.
