Extra payments could be available from the Department for Work and Pensions
Brits of a certain age could be entitled to extra payments from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). You may not realise you qualify for this cash.
The most recent figures from the DWP show that the State Pension currently provides a steady financial income for 13 million elderly people across the nation. This benefit is accessible to those who have attained the UK Government’s qualifying retirement age, which presently stands at 66 for both men and women, and have made a minimum of 10 years’ worth of National Insurance (NI) contributions.
However, as reported by the Daily Record, people over 80 who either have no Basic State Pension income or receive less than £105.70 per week, could be entitled to additional funds to assist with everyday living costs. The “Over 80 Pension” currently awards older people £105.70 each week if they are not receiving any Basic State Pension, or supplements their income up to this amount.
Low-income people over 80 may also qualify for Pension Credit, which could provide more than £4,300 in additional financial support annually.
Claiming the “Over 80 Pension”
It’s crucial to note that you cannot claim the “Over 80 Pension” if you reached State Pension age on or after 6 April 2016 – if you did, you are eligible for the New State Pension.
The guidance on GOV.UK indicates that you can claim the over 80 pension if all of the following conditions are met:
- You are 80 or over
- Your Basic State Pension is non-existent or less than £105.70 per week
- You have resided in the UK for a minimum of 10 years out of 20 (these need not be consecutive years) – this 20-year period must encompass the day before your 80th birthday or any subsequent day
- On your 80th birthday or the date you applied for this pension, if later, you were “ordinarily resident” in the UK, the Isle of Man or Gibraltar
Your eligibility for the over 80 pension does not hinge on National Insurance contributions.
How to claim
Claim forms can be obtained from either:
- Your local Jobcentre Plus
- The Pension Service
The earliest you can apply is three months prior to your 80th birthday. You can request a claim form from the Pension Service by dialling 0800 731 7898.
Comprehensive details can be found on GOV.UK here.
Pension Credit
Currently, nearly 1.4 million elderly people across Great Britain are receiving this means-tested benefit, which could provide an average of £4,300 in support during the forthcoming year. However, recent data from the DWP indicates that there are still over 700,000 eligible pensioners who are not claiming the benefit they are entitled to.
Some elderly people may mistakenly believe that their savings or home ownership disqualifies them from the means-tested benefit, which can also provide assistance with housing costs, winter heating aid and Council Tax.
Even a modest award of just £1 per week can unlock additional support. Pension Credit supplements weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level of £227.10 for single pensioners or £346.60 for couples. This tax-free payment is available to those who:
- Have reached the Pension Credit qualifying age, equivalent to the State Pension age, and
- Reside in Great Britain
Elderly people, or their friends and family, can swiftly verify their eligibility and obtain an estimate of potential benefits using the online Pension Credit calculator on GOV.UK here.
Alternatively, pensioners can directly contact the Pension Credit helpline to make a claim on 0800 99 1234 – lines are open from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.