DWP £7,800 Financial Boost for State Pensioners: Many people, especially women who took time off work for family responsibilities, may have been underpaid their state pensions due to missing Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP) records. The Government had promised to fix this issue, but the progress has been slow and disappointing. Despite efforts, only a small number of affected pensioners have received their rightful payments.
Only a Small Fraction of Underpayments Recovered
The UK Government had set aside £1.1 billion to correct past state pension underpayments. However, according to the latest report from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), only about £104 million has been paid out so far. That’s just one-tenth of what was expected.
Out of the 370,000 letters sent to people who might be affected, only 12,379 successful cases have been identified. This means most people who deserve the money haven’t received it yet.
Why the Effort Fell Short
One big reason for the failure is the digital-only process for applying. Many of the affected pensioners are elderly and may not use the internet. The application process requires people to go online and check their eligibility, then submit an online claim using form CF411. For many, this two-step process is confusing and difficult to complete.
Additionally, some pensioners thought the official letters were scams and ignored them. Others didn’t understand how past child benefit claims are linked to their pension today. Many simply believed they wouldn’t qualify or thought it was too late to claim.
Who Is Affected by Missing HRP?
HRP, or Home Responsibilities Protection, was a scheme that helped people who were caring for children or sick family members between 1978 and 2010. It made sure their National Insurance records stayed intact, so their state pension wouldn’t be reduced.
Most of those affected are women who stayed home to raise children or care for relatives. If they didn’t claim child benefit in their own name or if records were not kept correctly, they may have missed out on HRP, which can affect their pension.
In some cases, the average underpayment is around £7,800 per person. Some could also see a higher pension payment going forward once their record is fixed.
How to Check and Claim Missing Payments
If you think you were affected, you should act quickly. Use the Government’s CF411 form to apply. You can find it online on the GOV.UK website. If you’re not confident using the internet, ask a family member or friend for help, or contact the DWP’s helpline.
Fleur Iannazzo, a financial expert, encourages people to check their records. She warns that some people may be missing out on thousands of pounds. Even if you’re already receiving a full state pension, there could be backdated payments owed to you.
Who Can Still Apply for HRP?
You may still qualify for HRP if between 1978 and 2010 you:
- Received Child Benefit for a child under 16
- Cared for a child while your partner got Child Benefit
- Received Income Support for caring duties
- Cared for someone receiving disability benefits
- Were a foster or kinship carer (in Scotland)
As long as your National Insurance number was shared correctly when claiming Child Benefit, HRP should have been added. But if it wasn’t, now is the time to check and apply.
The UK Government’s plan to fix state pension underpayments has so far reached only a small portion of those affected. Many pensioners have been left unaware, confused, or unable to claim the money they deserve. With an average of nearly £8,000 at stake for some, it’s crucial for individuals to check if they’re owed money due to missing HRP.
The process may seem difficult, especially for older people unfamiliar with online tools, but help is available through family, friends, and official support channels. By acting now, eligible pensioners can not only recover unpaid money but also increase their future pension income.
FAQ
What is Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP)?
HRP was a scheme to protect parents and carers’ National Insurance records between 1978 and 2010, helping them qualify for a full state pension.
Who is eligible for HRP?
You may qualify if you cared for a child or disabled person between 1978–2010 and received Child Benefit or Income Support.
How do I claim missing HRP years?
Use the CF411 form on the GOV.UK website or call the DWP helpline for assistance.
How much money could I be owed?
On average, underpayments are around £7,800 per person, with possible future increases in your pension.
Why have so few people claimed their pension underpayment?
The online-only process, scam fears, and confusion about eligibility have made it hard for many to claim.
I looked after 2 children in 1978 and was a housewife so would this affect me as I got child benefit for 1 child back then .I am now on state pension and pip .my daughter was 3 and my oldest son was just born he as does in 2004.
Hello Joan willbye,
Govt is planning to give financial relief, but it takes some time