Older State Pensioners To Receive Extra £105 From DWP Per Week

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that older state pensioners aged 80 and over can now receive up to £105.70 extra per week through the Over-80 Pension.

This financial support is aimed at retirees who either receive a basic State Pension lower than £105.70 per week or who do not receive any basic State Pension at all.

For thousands of pensioners, this change provides a much-needed weekly boost in the 2025 to 2026 tax year.

Who Qualifies for the Over-80 Pension?

To be eligible, claimants must meet specific requirements:

• Must be 80 years old or above.
• Must have been born before 6 April 1951 (men) or 6 April 1953 (women).
• Must have lived in the UK, Isle of Man, or Gibraltar for at least 10 years within a 20-year period (including the day before turning 80 or any day after).
• Must already receive a basic State Pension of less than £105.70 or no State Pension at all.
• Cannot qualify if they reached State Pension age on or after 6 April 2016.

State Pension & Over-80 Pension Payment Rates

Thanks to a 4.1% uprating in April 2025, the basic State Pension is currently valued at £176.45 per week for those with full qualifying years. However, many pensioners who fall short of the required National Insurance (NI) contributions get less than this full rate.

The Over-80 Pension ensures that retirees receive a minimum of £105.70 per week if their payments fall below that amount.

DWP Over-80 Pension Payment Examples

Scenario	Weekly Payment	Extra from DWP
Basic State Pension = £43	£43 + £62.70 top-up = £105.70	£62.70
Basic State Pension = £100	£100 + £5.70 top-up = £105.70	£5.70
No Basic State Pension	£105.70 full weekly payment	£105.70
Full Basic State Pension (£176.45)	No top-up available	N/A

Over a year, eligible pensioners can gain up to £5,496.40 from this scheme.

National Insurance Contribution Rules

The basic State Pension depends on National Insurance (NI) contributions:

• Men born between 1945–1951: 30–44 qualifying NI years required.
• Women born between 1950–1953: 30–39 qualifying NI years required.

Those who fall short of these contributions often receive reduced pensions—making the Over-80 Pension a lifeline.

How to Claim the Over-80 Pension

• Applications can be made by contacting the Pension Service or requesting a form from Jobcentre Plus.
• Claims can be submitted three months before an applicant’s 80th birthday, or any time afterward.
• Payments are made weekly or four-weekly via direct bank transfer.
• Important: The Over-80 Pension is taxable income, meaning it may affect other benefits.

Why This Matters

With living costs still high, many pensioners rely on every pound to cover essentials. The extra £105.70 weekly support from the DWP ensures older pensioners can live with greater financial security and stability, regardless of their previous National Insurance record.

The Over-80 Pension provides a crucial safety net for the oldest pensioners in the UK. From the 2025/26 tax year, those aged 80 and above with a basic State Pension below £105.70 or no pension at all can claim additional support, boosting their income by up to £5,496.40 per year.

Seniors should check their eligibility and apply promptly to avoid missing out on this vital benefit.

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