Recent data from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has brought attention to a vital opportunity for pensioners in the UK, especially those receiving a state pension under £106 per week, including those eligible for the Over 80 Pension.
This financial aid could offer substantial relief, with many retirees potentially qualifying for thousands of pounds in additional support annually. These findings shed light on the benefits that are available but under-claimed, revealing a significant gap in awareness.
According to a report from DailyRecord, a considerable portion of pensioners who are eligible for state pension top-ups are missing out on financial assistance they are entitled to.
What Is the Over 80 Pension?
For pensioners over the age of 80, the Over 80 Pension provides vital financial assistance. If individuals are receiving no Basic State Pension or if their income is less than £105.70 per week, they may be entitled to extra money to help with their living expenses. This payment guarantees that qualifying pensioners receive at least £105.70 each week.
However, not everyone over 80 will be eligible for this pension. Individuals who reached State Pension age on or after April 6, 2016 are not eligible for the Over 80 Pension but instead are entitled to the New State Pension.
Pension Credit: A Lifeline for Many Pensioners
In addition to the Over 80 Pension, another crucial benefit available to older individuals is Pension Credit. This means-tested benefit is designed to ensure that older people on low incomes receive a guaranteed minimum income. For single pensioners, this guarantee is £227.10 per week, while for couples, it is £346.60 per week.
According to recent statistics, nearly 1.4 million pensioners across Great Britain are already receiving Pension Credit, but there are still 760,000 eligible pensioners who have not yet claimed this financial aid. If successful, an individual’s Pension Credit claim could also make them eligible for other benefits, such as Winter Fuel Payments, housing support, and council tax discounts.
How to Claim the Over 80 Pension and Pension Credit
For those who qualify for the Over 80 Pension, claims can be made by visiting a local Jobcentre Plus or contacting the Pension Service. To start the process, individuals can request a claim form up to three months before their 80th birthday. Full details of the process can be found on the official government website, GOV.UK.
Similarly, individuals can check their eligibility for Pension Credit using the online calculator available on GOV.UK. This tool allows pensioners or their families to quickly estimate the benefits they could receive. If eligible, the claim can be made by phone, online, or by post.
The Impact of Pension Credit and Over 80 Pension on Older Individuals
The potential financial benefits provided by Pension Credit and the Over 80 Pension go beyond just the weekly top-up. These programs also provide access to other crucial assistance programs, such as help with heating costs through the Winter Fuel Payment and discounts on Council Tax.
For older pensioners, these forms of financial aid play a vital role in easing the cost of living and ensuring that they are not struggling to meet their basic needs. The additional support for housing, energy costs, and healthcare provides much-needed relief, particularly for those on the lowest incomes.
The significance for mixed-age couples
Changes in the law in May 2019 have affected mixed-age couples, where one partner is of State Pension age and the other is under it. These couples are now considered as working-age for the purpose of means-tested benefits.
Prior to this change, such couples could claim Pension Credit when just one partner reached the State Pension age, which is no longer the case. Mixed-age couples must both be at State Pension age before they can qualify for Pension Credit or related benefits.
