Thousands of women across the UK could be entitled to significant compensation due to historical errors in their state pension calculations under the Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP) scheme. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has identified a potential oversight affecting those who claimed HRP between 1978 and 2010.
What Went Wrong?
The issue stems from incomplete National Insurance records, which may have left some individuals with lower state pension payouts than they were entitled to. HRP was designed to protect the pension rights of those who took time out of work to care for children or dependents, but errors in recording these credits have led to potential underpayments.
Who Is Affected?
Women who:
- Claimed HRP between 1978 and 2010
- Were stay-at-home parents or carers during this period
- Have gaps in their National Insurance record
Those who believe they may be affected are encouraged to contact the DWP or HMRC to check their eligibility for compensation.
How to Claim
The DWP has set up a dedicated process for affected individuals to come forward. Claims can be made by:
- Contacting the DWP pension service
- Providing relevant National Insurance details
- Submitting any supporting documentation
Experts estimate that successful claims could result in payments ranging from hundreds to thousands of pounds, depending on individual circumstances.
What the Government Says
A DWP spokesperson stated: "We're committed to ensuring everyone receives the state pension they're entitled to. We encourage anyone who thinks they may be affected to come forward so we can put things right."
This development follows similar state pension underpayment issues identified in recent years, highlighting ongoing challenges in the UK's pension system.
