State pension recipients are being urged to carefully review letters from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), which may contain vital details regarding historic pension underpayments.
The issue stems from missing Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP) records, leaving thousands of pensioners short-changed—by an average of £8,377 per individual.
Understanding the Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP) Issue
The HRP program, which was active between 1978 and 2010, was designed to protect National Insurance (NI) records for individuals—predominantly women—who were not working due to caring for children or disabled adults.
However, due to administrative oversights, many eligible individuals did not receive HRP credits on their NI record, resulting in lower state pension entitlements.
Notably, those who claimed support after the year 2000 were less likely to be affected, as NI numbers became mandatory on applications from that point forward.
Government Response and Corrective Measures
A Government spokesperson addressed the situation, emphasizing the seriousness of the issue:
“We’re determined to help people who’ve been left out of pocket due to historical errors which are no fault of their own.”
In response, the DWP and HMRC have taken the following steps:
- Sent letters to over 370,000 individuals potentially affected.
- Launched an online HRP eligibility tool to help users check and apply.
- Initiated awareness campaigns to notify those who may be impacted.
- Included HRP information in annual state pension increase letters.
Efforts are ongoing, with regular communications and public messaging to encourage pensioners to review their National Insurance records.
How State Pensioners Can Take Action
If you suspect HRP may be missing from your NI record, here’s what you need to do:
- Apply online to have HRP added to your NI history.
- Once submitted, HMRC will review your claim to determine how many qualifying years are missing.
- If eligible, DWP will adjust your state pension accordingly and notify you of any payment changes or arrears.
As of March 2025, the average back payment owed due to this issue was £8,377.
Who to Contact If You Disagree with the HRP Decision
If your application for HRP is rejected or you feel the decision is incorrect:
- Contact HMRC if the issue relates to your NI record.
- Reach out to DWP if it concerns your state pension amount.
Ensuring your NI record is accurate is essential to receiving the full state pension you’re entitled to.
This historic underpayment issue highlights the importance of checking your state pension letters and NI records. With the average affected individual owed over £8,300, overlooking this information could mean missing out on significant back payments.
The DWP and HMRC continue to rectify past errors, but it’s crucial for pensioners to take proactive steps to verify their information and apply for HRP if necessary.
FAQs
Who is most likely to be affected by the HRP underpayment issue?
Women who stayed home to care for children or disabled adults between 1978 and 2010 and who did not have HRP properly credited are the most likely to be impacted.
How can I check if I’m missing HRP credits on my NI record?
You can use the online HRP checking tool provided by the government to verify your NI record and apply for corrections.
What if I disagree with the HMRC or DWP decision about HRP?
If your issue is with your NI record, contact HMRC. If it relates to your state pension payments, get in touch with the DWP for further clarification or appeals.