The Department for Work and Pensions is scrambling to rectify a significant administrative error that has left thousands of pensioners shortchanged on their State Pension entitlements.
Married women who reached State Pension age before April 2016 and widows may be eligible for back payments averaging £1,085, with some cases potentially reaching much higher sums.
Who Exactly Is Affected?
The error primarily affects three specific groups:
- Married women who should have received an upgraded pension based on their husband's National Insurance contributions
- Widows whose pension should have increased after their spouse's death
- Those over 80 who may be entitled to a category D State Pension
The Race Against Time
DWP officials are working urgently to identify and contact all affected individuals before the end of 2024. However, the complexity of historical records means some eligible pensioners might be missed.
Crucially, those who believe they may be affected should come forward proactively, as the department cannot guarantee it will identify every case.
How to Claim What's Yours
If you suspect you've been underpaid, you should contact the Pension Service directly. Have your National Insurance number and relevant marriage or widowhood dates ready.
The government has set aside significant funds to cover these payments, recognizing the financial impact on pensioners who have been missing out on their full entitlements, in some cases for years.
This situation highlights the importance of regularly checking your State Pension status and understanding exactly what you're entitled to receive during your retirement years.
