People on Basic State Pension of less than £93 each week could be due extra payment
11.03.2024 - 11:24
/ dailyrecord.co.uk
The latest statistics from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that the State Pension currently provides a regular financial income for nearly 12.7 million older people across the country, including more than one million retirees living in Scotland. This payment is available for those who have reached the UK Government’s eligible retirement age, which is currently 66 for both men and women, and have paid at least 10 years' worth of National Insurance (NI) contributions.
However, people over 80 who have no Basic State Pension income or have a weekly income of less than £93.60 each week, could be due extra money to help them with daily living expenses. The ‘Over 80 Pension’ currently gives older people £93.60 a week if they are receiving no Basic State Pension, or makes up the difference to that amount.
The weekly payment threshold and top-up amount will rise to £101.55 for the 2024/25 financial year. Older people on a low income may also be eligible for Pension Credit, which provides on average more than £3,900 in extra financial support each year.
It’s important to be aware that you cannot get the ‘Over 80 Pension’ if you reached State Pension age on or after 6 April 2016 - if you have, you are eligible for the New State Pension.
The guidance on GOV.uk states that you can claim the over 80 pension if all of the following apply:
If you live in or are moving to a European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland, find out about pensions and benefits for UK nationals in the EU, EEA and Switzerland on GOV.UK here.
Your eligibility for the over 80 pension is not based on National Insurance contributions.
You can get a claim form from either:
The earliest you can claim is three months before your 80th birthday.