According to the latest Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) statistics, the State Pension is currently offering a regular financial income to approximately 12.7 million older individuals across the country, including over a million pensioners in Scotland.
State Pension: Over 80s Eligible for Extra Payment on Low Incomes
The payment is offered to persons who have attained the UK Government's eligible retirement age, which is presently 66 for both men and women, and have made at least ten years of National Insurance (NI) contributions.
Nevertheless, people over the age of 80 who do not get the Basic State Pension or who earn less than £101.55 per week may be eligible for additional funds to help with their daily living costs.
The weekly payout level was raised last month from £93.60 for the fiscal year 2024/25. Older individuals with modest incomes may also be eligible for Pension Credit, which gives an additional £3,900 in financial assistance each year on average.
How to Claim the 'Over 80 Pension'?
It is crucial to note that if you attained State Pension age on or after April 6, 2016, you are ineligible for the 'Over 80 Pension'; instead, you are eligible for the New State Pension.
According to the GOV.uk advice, you may qualify for the over 80 pension if all of the following conditions are met:
- You are 80 or older.
- You do not receive Basic State Pension, or your Basic State Pension is less than £101.55 per week in 2023-2024.
- You were domiciled in Britain for at least 10 years out of 20 (this does not have to be 10 years in a row), and this 20-year period must include the day before you turned 80 or any day afterwards.
- You were 'ordinarily resident' in the UK, the Isle of Man, or Gibraltar on your 80th birthday or the date you lodged the claim for this pension, whichever was later.
If you live in or plan to move to a European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland, visit GOV.UK to learn more about pensions and benefits for UK nationals in the EU, EEA, and Switzerland.
Your eligibility for the over-80s pension is not determined by National Insurance contributions.
How to Claim
You can receive a claim form from either:
- The nearest Jobcentre Plus.
- The Pension Service.
The earliest you can claim is 3 months prior to your 80th birthday. You can request a claim form from the Pension Service by phoning 0800 731 7898.
Pension Credit
If you are over the State Pension age and have a low income, Pension Credit can help you with your living expenses. It can also grant access to a variety of other perks.
Nearly 1.4 million older individuals in Great Britain, including over 126,800 in Scotland, are presently receiving the means-tested benefit, which could give an additional £3,900 in support per year.
However, according to the latest DWP numbers, 880,000 eligible retirees are still not receiving the money to which they are entitled.
How Much is the Pension Credit worth?
Pension Credit is tax-free and increases monthly income to a guaranteed minimum level of £218.15 for single seniors and £332.95 for couples. If your income is higher, you may still be eligible if you have a disability, care for someone, have savings, or have housing expenses.
What is Considered as Income for Pension Credit?
Your income includes:
- State Pension.
- Other Pensions.
- Earnings of work and self-employment.
- Most social security benefits, such as Carer's Allowance.