In the UK, individuals aged 80 and over who receive little or no basic State Pension may be eligible for an Over-80 Pension top-up of up to £105.70 per week in the 2025–26 tax year. This scheme helps ensure older pensioners receive a minimum level of support.
In this article we explore eligibility, age rules, payment details, and how to claim—with exact figures and requirements for 2025.
What Is the Over-80 Pension?
The Over-80 Pension is a non-contributory top-up payment available to UK residents aged 80 or above who either:
- Receive no basic State Pension, or
- Receive a basic State Pension amount less than £105.70 per week
If those conditions apply, the government will top up the pension to £105.70/week in 2025–26.
It is not based on National Insurance contributions or having built up a full NI record.
Eligibility & Age Rules
| Criterion | Requirement / Detail |
|---|---|
| Age | Must be 80 years or over. |
| Basic State Pension level | Either none, or less than £105.70/wk in 2025–26. |
| Residency / Residence history | Lived in the UK for at least 10 years out of the last 20 years (not necessarily consecutive). |
| Ordinary residence | Must have been “ordinarily resident” in the UK, Isle of Man or Gibraltar on their 80th birthday or on the date of claim (if later). |
| State Pension age rule | You cannot claim if you reached State Pension age on or after 6 April 2016 (i.e. if you’re under the “new State Pension” regime). |
Important nuance: Because the Over-80 Pension is tied to the older “basic State Pension” system, only people who reached State Pension age under the old system (before April 2016) are eligible.
Payment Amounts & How It Works
- The weekly top-up ceiling is £105.70 in the 2025–26 tax year.
- If your current basic State Pension is, say, £43/week, the Over-80 scheme would top it up by £62.70 to reach £105.70.
- If you don’t receive any basic State Pension, you may receive the full £105.70 weekly.
- This is equivalent to an annual maximum of £105.70 × 52 = £5,496.40. (Note: payments are made weekly or in arrears as per usual pension schedule.)
This top-up is considered taxable income and may affect your entitlement to other means-tested benefits (such as Pension Credit, Housing Benefit etc.).
How to Claim the Over-80 Pension
To apply for the Over-80 Pension, follow these steps:
- Timing – You can claim up to three months before your 80th birthday, or any time afterward.
- Get the claim form – Request via Pension Service, local Jobcentre Plus, or online (where applicable).
- Provide proof – You will need to verify your age, residency history, and bank details.
- Foreign / abroad claims – If you live abroad (in EEA, Switzerland or elsewhere), follow guidance from DWP regarding treatment of the pension and whether annual increases apply in that country.
- Report changes – If your circumstances change (address, residence, etc.), notify the Pension Service.
Once approved, payments are made regularly (weekly or in arrears) into your nominated bank account.
Additional Points & Special Rules
- Care home or hospital stays – Being in hospital up to 52 weeks normally doesn’t reduce your pension. After 52 weeks or moving from residential care to hospital, payments may change.
- Living abroad increases – In some countries, annual upratings (increases) to the Over-80 Pension may not apply.
- Effect on other benefits – The Over-80 top-up may lead to adjustments in your entitlement to means-tested benefits.
- Persistence – It is important to claim the Over-80 Pension even if your State Pension is currently adequate, because it ensures minimum support and may be backdated (within limits) to your 80th birthday.
The £105.70 weekly Over-80 Pension in the UK for 2025 provides a valuable safety net for elderly residents whose basic State Pension is low or non-existent.
With clear eligibility rules, age constraints, and a streamlined claim process, it ensures that pensioners aged 80 and over are not left without a minimum income.
If you or a family member is approaching 80, make sure to check eligibility, gather the required documents, and claim in time to secure this support.
FAQs
Who exactly qualifies for the Over-80 Pension in 2025?
You must be 80 years or older, have reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016 (so your pension is under the old system), and your basic State Pension must be less than £105.70/week or non-existent. You also need 10 years’ UK residence out of the last 20 years and have been ordinarily resident on your 80th birthday or claim date.
How much will I receive?
You will receive the difference between your basic State Pension (if any) and £105.70/week for the 2025–26 year. If you don’t have a basic pension, you could receive the full £105.70 weekly top-up.
Does this scheme rely on National Insurance contributions?
No — the Over-80 Pension is not based on NI contributions. It is solely age- and residence-based and designed for those whose pension record is inadequate.