Millions of parents and carers who took time out of work between 1978 and 2010 could still be owed significant pension back payments due to an HMRC error. The issue relates to Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP), a scheme designed to protect National Insurance records for those unable to work because they were caring for children or sick or disabled relatives.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) launched a correction scheme in 2023 after it was discovered that an estimated £1.2 billion had not been credited to eligible people's state pension records. However, as of March 2025, only around 8% of those affected had come forward, meaning more than £1.1 billion remains unclaimed. Experts suggest tens of thousands of individuals are owed an average of £5,000 each.
One case highlighted by BBC Money Box involved a woman who had stayed at home for 13 years during the 1980s while claiming Child Benefit. Due to the missing HRP credits, her pension had been underpaid for 16 years. After applying following a television segment, she received a lump sum of over £35,500 and her weekly pension increased from £120 to £180.
People may be entitled to HRP credits if they claimed Child Benefit for a child under 16 between April 1978 and April 2010, received Income Support while caring for a sick or disabled person, or cared for someone who was claiming certain benefits. HMRC is now writing to individuals identified through National Insurance records but is urging anyone who believes they may be affected to come forward.
To check eligibility, individuals can call HMRC on 0300 200 3500, use the government's online eligibility checker, or complete form CF411 and post it to HMRC. Once processed, the DWP may adjust pensions and notify applicants of any back payments or increases to their weekly amount.
