Niks
Thousands of UK pensioners could be missing out on an average of £11,725 due to State Pension underpayments.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has identified a large number of cases where eligible pensioners—mainly widows, married women, over-80s, and mothers with missing HRP credits—were not paid the correct amounts.
If you or a relative are in one of these groups, now is the time to check and claim what you’re owed. Here’s a detailed guide to help you understand the issue and take action.
Summary of State Pension Underpayments
| Category | Average Arrears | Number of Cases | Total Repaid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Widowed Pensioners | £11,725 | 50,261 | £483.4 million |
| Married Women (Category BL) | £5,553 | 47,004 | £252.8 million |
| Over-80 Pensioners (Category D) | £2,203 | 33,683 | £68.5 million |
| Mothers with Missing HRP Credits | £8,377 | 12,379 | £104 million |
| Total Identified Cases | — | 130,948 | £804.7 million |
Why Pensioners Are Missing £11,725
The DWP correction exercise, launched in January 2021, uncovered that certain groups were systematically underpaid due to:
- Manual Processing Errors: Outdated systems failed to update pension records.
- Incomplete Data: Missing National Insurance records, especially affecting mothers claiming Child Benefit before 2000.
- Lack of Automatic Updates: Pensions not updated after key life events, such as a spouse’s death.
As a result, many pensioners—especially women—missed out on their full entitlement.
Who Is Affected?
You may be eligible for back payments if you belong to any of these groups:
- Widowed Pensioners
If your pension was not properly adjusted after your spouse passed away. - Married Women (Category BL)
If your pension was not correctly calculated based on your husband’s National Insurance contributions. - Over-80 Pensioners (Category D)
If you are aged over 80 and did not receive the appropriate pension uplift. - Mothers with Missing HRP Credits
If you claimed Child Benefit before 2000 and your Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP) credits are missing.
Steps to Check and Claim Your Owed Pension
- Review Your National Insurance Record
Visit the HMRC National Insurance portal and check for gaps or errors. - Determine Eligibility
Assess whether you fall into one of the identified categories. If unsure, contact the DWP. - Contact the DWP
- UK Phone: 0800 731 0469
- International: +44 (0)191 218 7777
Have your National Insurance number ready and request a review.
- Claim for Deceased Relatives
If a deceased relative may have been underpaid, as next of kin or executor, you can request information and claim.
What to Do If You’re Affected
The DWP is proactively contacting some individuals but may not reach everyone. It’s strongly recommended to take proactive steps:
- Check your records today.
- Contact the DWP if you suspect you are owed money.
- Act promptly to avoid delays in receiving your back payment.
With an average of £11,725 potentially owed, checking whether you’re eligible is well worth the effort. Thousands of pensioners have already reclaimed substantial amounts, and many more may still be eligible.
Don’t wait—review your records, check the DWP list, and contact the DWP to secure what you’re entitled to.
FAQs
How do I know if I’m affected by a pension underpayment?
Check your National Insurance record and whether you fall into any of the affected groups. If unsure, contact the DWP for a detailed review.
Will the DWP contact me automatically?
In some cases, yes. However, it’s advisable to proactively contact the DWP if you believe you may be affected.
Is there a deadline to claim the underpaid pension?
No official deadline exists, but it’s wise to act as soon as possible to ensure timely processing of your claim.