Extra £5,496 For Older State Pensioners – DWP Confirms New Top-Up Opportunity

Older state pensioners across the UK can now claim an extra £5,496.40 per year with a single application. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that the over-80 pension will provide vital financial support for retirees who receive a basic State Pension of less than £105.70 per week or none at all.

This payment ensures that low-income pensioners over 80 can boost their income significantly, helping them better manage the rising cost of living.

What Is the Over-80 Pension Top-Up?

The over-80 pension is a State Pension top-up designed specifically for individuals aged 80 or older. If your weekly basic State Pension is below £105.70, or if you do not receive one at all, you may qualify for this payment.

The scheme ensures that pensioners over 80 have a guaranteed income level, reducing financial hardship among some of the most vulnerable citizens.

Current Rates & Annual Impact

In the 2025/26 tax year, the basic State Pension under the old system is worth up to £176.45 per week, equal to £9,175.40 annually. However, not all pensioners receive this maximum amount.

For those whose payments fall short, the over-80 top-up increases their weekly income to £105.70, which equates to an additional £5,496.40 per year for someone with no basic State Pension. This extra payment can make a huge difference for pensioners on limited incomes.

Eligibility Criteria at a Glance

To qualify for the over-80 pension top-up, you must meet the following conditions:

• You must be 80 years old or over.
• Your basic State Pension must be less than £105.70 per week, or you may not be receiving one.
• You must have reached State Pension age (currently 66) before 6 April 2016, meaning this applies only to those under the old State Pension rules.
• You must have lived in the UK for at least 10 years in a 20-year period, including the day before your 80th birthday or at any point afterwards.
• You can also qualify if you were ordinarily resident in the UK, Isle of Man, or Gibraltar on your 80th birthday or when submitting your claim.
• You may apply up to three months before your 80th birthday.

Example: How Much Extra You Could Get

Here’s a breakdown of how the top-up works in real life:

• A pensioner receiving £43 per week from the basic State Pension will be topped up to £105.70.
• This results in an extra £62.70 per week, adding up to around £3,260 per year.
• For someone with no State Pension entitlement at all, the full £105.70 per week will be paid—amounting to £5,496.40 annually.

This system ensures pensioners over 80 receive a meaningful income boost based on their circumstances.

Rates & Eligibility

Category	Detail
Weekly threshold	£105.70 (top-up target)
Basic State Pension (max)	£176.45/week (£9,175.40/year)
Maximum top-up	£62.70/week (if receiving £43/week)
Maximum extra per year	£5,496.40 (if receiving zero basic pension)
Eligibility age	80+
State Pension system	Must be under old rules (pre-2016)
Residency requirement	10 of 20 years including around 80th birthday
Earliest claim period	From 3 months before turning 80

The DWP’s over-80 pension top-up is a vital financial lifeline for many older state pensioners. With payments worth up to £5,496.40 per year, this scheme ensures that everyone over 80 has access to a minimum income level in retirement.

If you or a loved one is approaching 80, it’s crucial to check eligibility and claim on time—so you don’t miss out on money you’re entitled to.

FAQs