State pension top up available for over 80s – and sum is set to rise this year | Personal Finance | Finance
State pension payments will vary according to a person’s circumstances. Usually, they hinge on the National Insurance contributions a person makes throughout their life, but this isn’t always the case.
The system is currently split into two tiers, the basic state pension and the new state pension.
Those who reached state pension age before April 6, 2016 will get the state pension under the old rules.
Consequently, according to age, some may be able to unlock what is known as an over 80 pension.
The over 80 pension, much as it suggests, is a state pension for people aged 80 or over.
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The DWP Secretary, Therese Coffey, has confirmed there will be a 3.1 percent increase to pensions and benefits come April.
This means the sum will rise to approximately £85.00 under current estimates.
What people will get from this pension, however, ultimately depends on how much basic state pension they get – if any.
Those who do not get anything, or get less than £82.45 per week could get the difference paid up to this amount.
The Government offers an example: “You’re 80 years old and you get £45 a week state pension.
“Your state pension may be topped up by £37.45 to £82.45 a week.”
Other eligibility criteria for the over 80s pension does apply.
Firstly, people must have been resident in the UK for at least 10 years out of 20 – with the 20 year period including the day before they turned 80 or any day after.
This, however, does not have to be 10 consecutive years.
Additionally, a person must be “ordinarily resident” in the UK, Isle of Man or Gibraltar on their 80th birthday or the date they made the claim for this pension if later.
Most importantly, a person’s eligibility for the over 80 pension is not based on National Insurance contributions.
The claim process for the over 80 pension is designed to be a simple one.
Individuals can collect a claim form from either their local pension centre, or local Jobcentre Plus.
It is worth noting the earliest Britons will be able to claim is three months before their 80th birthday.
