The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have launched a major campaign to correct State Pension underpayments that could affect nearly 370,000 women across the UK.
The issue centers around missing Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP) credits, a vital component of many pensioners’ National Insurance (NI) records.
Many of those affected are women who claimed Child Benefit before May 2000 and may not have had their National Insurance numbers properly recorded at the time.
As a result, they could be missing years of NI credits, resulting in a lower State Pension than they’re entitled to.
What is Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP)?
HRP was introduced in 1978 to protect the State Pension entitlements of individuals—mostly mothers—who took time off work to raise children or care for someone with a disability. In 2010, HRP was replaced by National Insurance credits.
However, a significant number of women who claimed Child Benefit in earlier years, especially before May 2000, did not have their NI numbers linked to their claims. This resulted in HRP not being applied to their NI records, impacting their pension eligibility years later.
How Much Could Be Owed?
According to HMRC, those affected by the error could be due back payments averaging £7,859, though this figure can vary significantly depending on the number of missed years.
A government estimate suggests the total cost of underpayments could fall between £300 million and £1.5 billion.
Who Has Been Contacted?
Starting in 2023, HMRC began sending out over 370,000 letters to individuals likely affected by this issue. The letters urge recipients to check their NI records and apply to correct them if HRP credits are missing.
If you’re among those contacted, it’s essential to follow the instructions provided to ensure you receive any owed entitlements.
📌 Official government advice is available here:
👉 Check your National Insurance record – GOV.UK
👉 Apply for NI credit correction – GOV.UK
How the Correction Works
Once a person submits the necessary information and their NI record is corrected, the DWP will recalculate their State Pension and issue any owed arrears.
Former Pensions Minister Steve Webb, now a partner at consultancy LCP, has urged the government to offer easier ways for older pensioners to claim corrections. Webb noted that many affected individuals may not be internet-savvy and could struggle with online processes.
“It’s essential that the DWP provides clear paper-based alternatives for those unable to access digital forms,” he said in an interview with The Sun.
Who Should Check Their Records?
You may be affected if:
- You are a woman born before 1953 (but some men and younger people could also be affected).
- You claimed Child Benefit between 1978 and 2010, particularly before May 2000.
- Your National Insurance number was not included on the Child Benefit claim form.
- You’ve received a letter from HMRC urging you to check your records.
How to Check and Claim Missing HRP Credits
- Log into your personal tax account or use the HMRC eligibility checker to review your State Pension forecast.
- If you suspect missing HRP credits, complete the form available at GOV.UK – National Insurance Credits.
- If eligible, HMRC will update your NI record and notify the DWP, which will adjust your State Pension accordingly.
Why It Matters Now
The issue comes at a time when the UK government is under increasing pressure to ensure pension fairness and transparency. With rising living costs, correcting historical underpayments is seen as both a financial and moral imperative.
A spokesperson from HMRC stated:
“We are working with DWP to ensure people receive the State Pension they’re entitled to. Where errors have occurred, we are making sure these are corrected swiftly and fairly.”
What If You Haven’t Received a Letter Yet?
Even if you haven’t received a letter from HMRC, you can still check your NI record online or by contacting them directly. For assistance, call 0300 200 3500 (HMRC National Insurance helpline) or visit your local Jobcentre Plus for guidance.
Final Word
This correction campaign is one of the largest of its kind in recent years. It represents an opportunity for many women—and some men—to recover lost income due to administrative oversights that happened decades ago.
If you or someone you know may be affected, act now. A few minutes spent checking your NI record could be worth thousands of pounds in owed State Pension.
This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.
Himanshu Sharma writes for Weekend Spy, focusing on recruitment, government schemes, and current affairs. He is dedicated to making complex information accessible to readers.
Himanshu enjoys playing chess, hiking, and trying new recipes, always seeking ways to combine his love for writing with his passion for exploration. Connect with Drop him an email at [email protected].
