How much is it? (weekly rate from April 2026)

• £110.75 a week.
• If you already get an old State Pension that's less than this, it can top it up to this level.
• There's also a small extra 25p a week added to State Pensions once you turn 80. It's not much, but it's paid automatically.

Who can claim?

• You're 80 or over.
• You reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016. (People who reached it after that are on the new State Pension, where the rules are different.)
• You get no State Pension, or less than £110.75 a week.
• You meet the UK residence rules. You'll usually need to have lived in the UK for at least 10 years in any 20-year period after the age of 60, though there are some exceptions, so ask if you're unsure.

Good things to know:

• It isn't means-tested, so your savings and other income don't affect it.
• It's taxable, but most people on it won't have to pay tax.
• It counts as income for Pension Credit, so if you get Pension Credit it may not leave you better off. Please don't stop either one without getting advice, because Pension Credit can unlock extra help like Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, free TV licences for some people and the Warm Home Discount.
• You usually have to claim it, so it's not always automatic. If you or a relative are close to 80 and haven't got a full State Pension, it's worth asking.
• Women who have always been at home raising a family, or people who've spent a lot of time abroad, are among those who might qualify.
• It's worth a full benefits check if you're 80 or over, as you may also be entitled to Attendance Allowance (we covered this under A), Pension Credit and help with heating costs.

Where to start: contact the Pension Service through GOV.UK or by phone. Age UK and Citizens Advice can help with the form or a benefits check, and many local branches visit people at home.

Rates are correct for 2026/27, but always double-check on GOV.UK. This applies across Great Britain. Northern Ireland has its own version, so check Nidirect.

Do you know someone aged 80 or over who could be missing out? Pass it on, and come and tell us how it goes on the forum. 🫶