The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that many pensioners in the UK could receive extra financial support worth up to £5,496 a year. This support is designed for those who reached State Pension age before specific cut-off dates, ensuring that older retirees are not left struggling with low income. This extra payment can make a big difference, especially for seniors managing rising household and living costs. According to government guidance on GOV.UK
, the support comes through two main schemes the Additional State Pension and the Over-80 Pension.
Understanding the Additional State Pension
The Additional State Pension was created to top up the basic State Pension. It applies to men born before 6 April 1951 and women born before 6 April 1953. Over the years, it included two schemes the State Earnings-Related Pension Scheme (SERPS) and the State Second Pension.
The amount someone receives depends on how much they earned during their working life and how many years of National Insurance contributions they made. At present, the maximum payable through this pension is £222.10 per week, which adds up to around £5,496 a year. This payment is added to the basic State Pension and goes directly into the pensioner’s bank account. More details are available on the Additional State Pension page.
The Over-80 Pension Explained
The Over-80 Pension is another important form of support. It guarantees that pensioners aged 80 or above receive a minimum weekly income. From the 2025-26 tax year, this amount is set at £105.70 per week. Unlike the Additional State Pension, eligibility does not depend on National Insurance records. Instead, it helps those who receive no basic State Pension or who receive less than £105.70 per week. For example, someone receiving £45 per week from their State Pension would get an additional £60.70, bringing their total weekly income up to £105.70.
There are also residency requirements. Applicants must have lived in the UK for at least 10 of the last 20 years before reaching 80 and must be living in the UK, Isle of Man, or Gibraltar at the time of claiming. Full details are available on the Over-80 Pension guidance page.
How to Make a Claim
For the Additional State Pension, there is no need to apply separately. It is added automatically when someone first claims their State Pension. The DWP then sends written confirmation explaining how much will be paid. The Over-80 Pension, however, does require an application. Pensioners can apply three months before their 80th birthday through the Pension Service. Applications can be made online, by phone, or by requesting a form through the post. Contact details are provided on the official Pension Service page.
Can Pension Benefits Be Passed On?
In some cases, a surviving spouse or civil partner can inherit part of their partner’s Additional State Pension. How much can be passed on depends on the date of birth and date of death of the person who has passed away. In earlier cases, up to 100 percent of SERPS could be inherited, while in later cases the amount is reduced, often to 50 percent. The inherited amount is then added to the surviving partner’s own State Pension. However, entitlement may be affected if the surviving partner remarries or enters into a new civil partnership before reaching State Pension age.
What About Contracting Out?
For many years, employees had the option of being “contracted out” of the Additional State Pension. This meant they paid lower National Insurance contributions, with the idea that their workplace or private pension would replace the additional pension. Because of this, some pensioners may find that their entitlement to the Additional State Pension is lower. However, they should have benefits from their workplace scheme to balance this. contributions have been paid at the standard rate. Pensioners who are unsure whether they were contracted out can check old payslips, contact former employers, or use the Pension Tracing Service.
Why This Extra Support Matters
For older pensioners, every bit of extra income matters. The Additional State Pension and the Over-80 Pension provide vital support to make sure retirees do not fall below a basic level of income. For some, it means an extra £5,496 a year, while for others it guarantees at least £105.70 a week. This financial help can cover essential bills, food, and other daily expenses, giving pensioners peace of mind during retirement. The DWP has confirmed that these schemes will remain in place, offering reassurance that seniors will not be left behind in later life. Anyone who thinks they may qualify should check their eligibility and make a claim where required to secure this additional support.