Over 80s could be entitled to state pension top up – are you eligible?

As people get older, it is vital for them to maximise their money, as they may not have a salary coming in each month to support living expenses. The state pension provides a consistent income for pensioners, and retirees over the age of 80 could increase the amount they receive.

To be able to claim the over 80 pension, all of the following must apply:

An applicant must be 80 or over

They must not get any basic state pension, or their basic state pension must be less than £82.45 a week for the 2021/22 tax year

They must have been resident in the UK for at least 10 years out of 20, including the day before they turned 80 or any day after (this does not have to be 10 years in a row)

They must have been ‘ordinarily resident’ in the UK, the Isle of Man or Gibraltar on their 80th birthday or the date they began claiming the state pension, if later

Anyone who lives in or is moving to a European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland, can find out about pensions and benefits for UK nationals in the EU, EEA and Switzerland on the Government website.

Eligibility for the over 80 pension is not based on National Insurance contributions.

Changes in situation

If someone’s circumstances change, it could affect their eligibility for the over 80 state pension.

People should contact the office that deals with their payments if they move house, change bank account, go into (or leave) hospital or a health authority funded care home, or leave the UK to live abroad, or for a long visit.

Changes in situation should be reported to the Pension Service.

Anyone who has further questions regarding the over 80 state pension should contact The Pension Service.

The Pension Service helpline can be reached on 0800 731 0469.