The Iconic Royal Congratulatory Card
For UK citizens, the centrepiece of a 100th birthday celebration is often the arrival of a personalised card from the reigning monarch. This tradition was started by King George V in 1917 and has continued ever since, evolving from a telegram to a beautifully designed card. The message inside, featuring a portrait of the King and Queen, offers a heartfelt greeting and warm wishes for the special occasion. This is a gesture of national recognition for a significant milestone and is highly cherished by recipients and their families.
The process for receiving this card varies slightly depending on a person's circumstances:
- For State Pension recipients: The system is largely automatic. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Centenarian Team is responsible for notifying the Anniversaries Office at Buckingham Palace about upcoming birthdays. This ensures that the card is sent without the need for a separate application.
- For non-pensioners: An application can be made directly by a relative, friend, or the celebrant themselves. This can be done online via the Royal Family's official website, and it is recommended to apply around five weeks before the birthday. Documentation like a birth certificate or passport copy may be required for verification.
Is there any financial reward for turning 100?
This is a common misconception, but there is no specific lump sum payment or pension increase solely for reaching the age of 100 in the UK. While a celebratory message is sent, the financial benefits for centenarians are generally the same as those available to all state pensioners. These can include a range of benefits and entitlements designed to support older people, which become increasingly important as a person gets older.
Comparison Table: Centenarian Recognition in the UK
| Feature | Royal Congratulatory Card | Financial Bonus | Pensioner Benefits (Age-Related) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automatic Process? | Yes, for State Pensioners. Manual application for others. | No, not for age alone. | Yes, for eligible individuals. |
| Eligibility | UK citizens and citizens of Commonwealth realms. | None based on age. | UK residents based on income and needs. |
| Value | Sentimental, national recognition. | None. | Financial assistance for living costs and care. |
| How to Receive | Via post from Buckingham Palace Anniversaries Office. | N/A | Through government departments like DWP. |
| Additional Information | Also sent on 105th birthday and annually thereafter. | Some benefits may increase based on needs, not age. | Varies by individual circumstances and eligibility criteria. |
Beyond the royal message: Other potential benefits
While the 100th birthday itself doesn't trigger new financial entitlements, many centenarians in the UK will be receiving a range of other benefits due to their age and circumstances. These are not tied to the specific milestone but are a crucial part of the social care and support system for older citizens. Some of the key entitlements that an individual reaching 100 may already receive include:
- State Pension: A regular payment from the government upon reaching state pension age.
- Pension Credit: An income-related benefit for those over state pension age on a low income. This can open the door to other forms of support, such as a free TV licence for those aged 75 or over who receive Pension Credit.
- Attendance Allowance: A non-means-tested benefit for individuals who are state pension age or over and need help with personal care due to a disability or illness.
- Winter Fuel Payment: An annual payment to help with heating costs for people who have reached state pension age.
- Council Tax Reduction: A means-tested benefit that can help with council tax bills for those on a low income.
- Free Bus Pass: For those over state pension age, free bus travel is available across England.
- Help with NHS Health Costs: This includes free prescriptions, eye tests, and dental care for those over 60.
For more detailed information on these benefits, the Age UK website is a useful resource for older people and their families. Their advice and support services can help navigate the eligibility criteria for various forms of assistance.
Conclusion: Honouring a century of life
Turning 100 in the UK is a remarkable achievement, and the congratulatory message from the monarch is a long-standing and much-appreciated national tradition. While no special financial reward is given for this specific birthday, centenarians are often already receiving a variety of government benefits aimed at supporting older citizens. The process for receiving the royal card is straightforward, whether automatically arranged for state pensioners or through a simple application for others. This symbolic gesture of respect and acknowledgement for a long life ensures that reaching a century is a truly special and memorable occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the royal card sent automatically for a 100th birthday?
A: It is sent automatically for UK residents receiving a State Pension or other qualifying benefit. For those not receiving these, a family member or friend must apply via the Royal Family's website about 5 weeks in advance.
Q: Is there a special financial bonus for centenarians in the UK?
A: No, there is no lump sum payment or increased pension just for turning 100. Any financial support received is based on eligibility for general pensioner benefits, not the specific age milestone.
Q: Can a card be requested for someone who doesn't live in the UK?
A: Yes, but the recipient must be a citizen of one of the Commonwealth realms or a UK Overseas Territory. An application must be submitted with evidence of British nationality.
Q: How many people in the UK receive a royal card for their 100th birthday each year?
A: The number of cards sent has increased significantly with a growing and ageing population. The Anniversaries Office hired extra staff in 2014 as the annual tally surpassed 7,500.
Q: How far in advance should the application be made?
A: If applying manually, the Royal Family's Anniversaries Office recommends doing so at least five weeks before the birthday. This allows enough time for processing and delivery.
Q: What is the benefit of applying for the royal card if it might be automatic?
A: Applying manually ensures that the Anniversaries Office receives the celebrant's correct and current details. This can be a useful backup, especially if the person's address on DWP records might be out of date.
Q: Is the card only for the 100th birthday?
A: No, cards are also sent for the 105th birthday and every year thereafter. Congratulatory messages are also sent for milestone wedding anniversaries, such as the 60th, 65th, and 70th.
