Older Women Advised to Claim Potential State Pension Back Payments of £8300
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is encouraging older women to claim potential back payments of state pension, estimated at £8,300 due to historical errors with National Insurance credits. This push comes as the DWP has revealed significant underpayments affecting thousands of women.
Key Findings from DWP Research
Between January 2024 and March 2025, a joint effort by the DWP and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) identified over 12,000 cases of state pension underpayments among women with incorrect National Insurance records. The DWP has already paid out more than £104 million in arrears, averaging £8,377 per payment.
Eligibility for Back Payments
Older women, especially those who may have claimed Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP), are urged to check their state pension entitlements. Key factors for eligibility include:
- Claiming Child Benefit for a child under 16.
- Caring for a sick or disabled person.
- Not having HRP recorded during specific qualifying years between 1978 and 2010.
Common Barriers to Application
Recent studies have shown several barriers that prevent eligible individuals from applying:
- Confusion over the communication and terminology used in letters.
- Fear of scams disguised as government outreach.
- Challenges associated with online forms, causing hesitation.
Experts, including retirement analyst Helen Morrissey, stress the importance of awareness regarding these issues. Many individuals remain uninformed due to the government’s reliance on technological processes for pension claims.
Addressing the Gap in Pension Payments
To improve claims for eligible individuals, the DWP advises older women to take proactive steps:
- Review your National Insurance record for discrepancies.
- Submit applications for backdated HRP if applicable.
- Consider voluntary contributions to fill gaps in entitlement.
The government hopes that with increased awareness and outreach, they can help older individuals recover benefits that they rightfully deserve, addressing a long-standing issue in the pension system.
Conclusion
The current initiatives aim to ensure that older women are not missing out on their entitled state pension payments. By checking records and understanding eligibility for back payments, individuals can secure much-needed financial support. For further information and to apply for missing payments, visit Emegypt for guidance and resources.
