Millions of Britons could be owed substantial sums after revelations that thousands of state pensioners have been underpaid for years. Experts estimate some individuals may be due up to £950 in back payments.
Who's Affected?
The issue primarily affects:
- Married women who reached state pension age before April 2016
- Widows and divorcees
- Those over 80 claiming pension before 1992
Why Did This Happen?
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has acknowledged systemic errors in calculating pensions for certain groups. Complex rules around married women's entitlements and outdated systems contributed to the mistakes.
How to Check If You're Owed Money
- Review your National Insurance contribution history
- Compare your payments to current rates
- Contact the DWP pension service for clarification
Important: The DWP is automatically reviewing cases, but the process could take years. Proactive claimants may receive payments faster.
What You Could Be Owed
While amounts vary, typical underpayments range from:
- £3,000-£5,000 for married women
- Up to £12,000 in extreme cases
- £950 for those over 80
The government has set aside £3 billion to cover these repayments, with £571 million already paid to affected pensioners.
