The Over 80 Pension
The Over 80 Pension is a State Pension for people aged 80 or over who have little or no State Pension. Unlike other State Pensions, it's not based on National Insurance contributions.
Who is eligible?
You can claim if all the following apply:
- you are aged 80 or over
- you don't get basic State Pension, or your basic State Pension is less than £66.00 a week in 2013-2014
- you live in Great Britain or Northern Ireland, and have done so for ten years or more in any continuous period of 20 years which included the day before your 80th birthday or any day after it
How much is it?
- £66.00 a week in 2013-2014 if you don't get basic State Pension
- if you're on a reduced basic State Pension - you'll get the difference between this reduced amount and £66.00 a week in 2013-2014
Effect on other benefits
The Over 80 Pension, as with all pensions, counts as taxable income, so it may affect other income-related benefits you're getting.
You must include the Over 80 Pension as income if you're claiming other benefits.
How to claim
Ask the Northern Ireland Pension Centre or your local Social Security / Jobs and Benefits office to send you a claim form if you don't receive one within three months of your 80th birthday (and you don't already get a State Pension) or you can apply online
- Northern Ireland Pension Centre - state pension (contacts section)
- Social Security / Jobs and Benefits office (contacts section)
- Apply for Over 80 Pension online (do it online section)
What to do if your circumstances change
If your circumstances change it could affect whether or not you're eligible for the Over 80 Pension.
It's important that you contact the office that deals with your payments if:
- you go into (or leave) hospital or a health authority funded care home
- you go abroad to live or visit
- Pensions, benefits and tax when retiring abroad
Further information
If you have more questions about the Over 80 Pension, contact the Pension Service.

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