The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is offering a significant boost to older pensioners in the UK: an extra £422.80 per month via the “over-80 pension” top-up.
In the 2025–2026 tax year, eligible state pensioners aged 80 and over who receive little or no basic State Pension can see their payments increased to £105.70 per week (that’s £422.80 per month).
If you or someone you know is 80 or older, this boost may be critical for supplementing income in retirement. Below is everything you need to know about eligibility, how it works, and whether you qualify.
What Is the Over-80 Pension Top-Up?
The over-80 pension is a state benefit that ensures that qualifying pensioners receive at least £105.70 per week in 2025–2026. This amounts to £422.80 per month. If your basic State Pension is less than £105.70 (or you receive none), the DWP will make up the difference.
It’s important to note:
- This is not the same as the newer State Pension introduced after April 2016.
- The benefit is taxable income, so it may affect other benefits you receive.
- The top-up must be claimed, and you must meet all eligibility criteria.
Eligibility Criteria: Who Qualifies?
To receive this monthly top-up, pensioners must satisfy all of the following:
| Criterion | Requirement | Details / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 80 years or older | You must reach or already be 80 in the 2025–2026 tax year. |
| Basic State Pension | None or less than £105.70/week | Only those with insufficient or no basic pension qualify. |
| Residency | At least 10 years out of previous 20 | The 20-year period must include the day before your 80th birthday or thereafter. These years do not need to be consecutive. |
| Ordinary Residence | UK, Isle of Man, or Gibraltar | Must be ordinarily resident on your 80th birthday or the claim date (if after). |
| State Pension Rule | Must have reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016 | Those who reached State Pension age on or after that date are not eligible. |
| Declaration / Claim | Must make a claim | Pensioners must apply; it is not always automatic. |
If you already receive a basic State Pension of £105.70 or more per week, you do not qualify for further top-up under this scheme.
How Much Will You Receive?
The top-up amount is simply the difference between your basic State Pension and the £105.70 weekly floor. For example:
- If your basic pension is £43/week, you will receive an additional £62.70/week, bringing your total to £105.70/week.
- If your basic pension is £0/week, you will receive the full £105.70/week.
Converted to monthly terms, the maximum extra payment is £422.80/month, which is intended to help those pensioners whose existing pension falls far short.
How to Apply & Important Considerations
- You can apply up to 3 months before your 80th birthday or any time after.
- The claim form is available via the Pension Service / DWP.
- You must notify them if your circumstances change—for instance, if you move, change bank, or start receiving a higher pension.
- Because it counts as taxable income, it must be included in any claims for means-tested benefits.
- The top-up may affect other benefits—so always declare it when applying for or renewing other income-based support.
Who Misses Out?
Pensioners who:
- Reached State Pension age on or after 6 April 2016 (i.e. those in the newer pension system)
- Already get a basic State Pension at or above £105.70/week
- Don’t meet the residency criteria (less than 10 qualifying UK years in last 20)
- Are not ordinarily resident in UK / Isle of Man / Gibraltar on required dates
These individuals will not qualify for the over-80 pension top-up.
The DWP’s over-80 pension top-up offers a meaningful income boost for older UK state pensioners whose existing pensions fall below £105.70/week.
By providing up to £422.80/month to eligible claimants, the program strengthens financial support in later life. If you or someone you know is 80 or above and meets the eligibility criteria, it’s worth applying for—especially given the taxable nature and possible interactions with other benefits.
FAQs
Do I need to apply, or is it automatic?
You must claim the over-80 top-up—it’s not always granted automatically.
Will this extra income affect my other benefits?
Yes, because it’s taxable. You must declare it when applying for or renewing income-based benefits, which could reduce them.
Can someone on the new State Pension system (post-2016) get this top-up?
No. This program only applies to those who reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016, under the older pension rules.