The HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued a crucial update regarding state pension underpayments, confirming that thousands of retirees may still be owed money. The department has been working to rectify historical errors, but many cases remain unresolved.
Who Could Be Affected?
The underpayments primarily impact:
- Married women who claimed a basic state pension before April 2016
- Widows and divorcees whose National Insurance records weren't updated
- Those who should have received increases for deferring their pension
How Much Money Is Involved?
Estimates suggest the average underpayment is around £5,000, with some cases reaching up to £12,000. The total amount owed could run into hundreds of millions of pounds.
What Should You Do?
If you believe you may have been underpaid:
- Check your state pension records carefully
- Compare payments with what you should be receiving
- Contact the Pension Service if you spot discrepancies
The HMRC has stated they're working through cases systematically, but experts advise affected individuals to be proactive in checking their entitlements.
