A major Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) revelation has confirmed that over 130,000 UK pensioners were underpaid their State Pension, prompting back payments averaging £1,200—with many receiving even more.
This correction comes after years of processing errors, particularly affecting married women, widows, and pensioners over 80.
If you or a loved one fits this category, you may be entitled to thousands in back pay.
What Is the DWP £1,200 Back Payment?
The £1,200 back payment is part of an ongoing DWP review launched in 2021 to identify pensioners who were underpaid due to outdated systems and missed entitlements. Payments are being issued in 2025 and beyond to address these mistakes, with some backdated over a decade.
Common Causes of Underpayment:
- Missed spousal pension uplifts
- Unprocessed widow benefits
- Automatic boosts not applied at age 80
- Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP) errors
Who Is Eligible for the £1,200+ Back Payment?
According to DWP reports, those most affected include:
| Category | Issue | Average Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Married Women | No spousal uplift after partner’s retirement | Up to £12,000 |
| Widows | Pension not recalculated after partner’s death | £8,000–£11,700 |
| Over-80s | Missed automatic pension increase at age 80 | £2,000+ |
| HRP Cases | Errors in Home Responsibilities Protection records | £1,500–£3,000 |
| Total Cases | 130,948 (2021–2025) | £804.7 million paid |
Why the DWP Backlog Happened
The issue stems from system failures, human error, and lack of data sharing between departments. Many of the underpaid claimants were unaware of their entitlements and spent years surviving on lower-than-deserved pensions.
In some tragic cases, affected individuals passed away before ever receiving what was due to them. This underscores the importance of checking your National Insurance records and State Pension statements.
Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP) Errors
An additional 5,344 pensioners, mostly women, were impacted by errors in HRP records. HRP was introduced to protect the pensions of parents or carers who took time off work to raise children or provide care. These unrecorded years caused major pension deductions.
The DWP now admits £42 million in HRP-related underpayments and urges pensioners to verify their care years were properly credited.
What the DWP Is Doing Now
The DWP has acknowledged the problem and is actively:
- Reviewing records
- Notifying affected individuals
- Issuing back payments
- Correcting monthly pension rates moving forward
Officials urge citizens not to wait. If you believe you were underpaid, contact the Pension Service directly.
How to Check If You’re Owed
Take these steps:
- Check if you fit a high-risk category (married woman, widow, over-80, or HRP-eligible).
- Review your National Insurance contributions and pension history.
- Contact the Pension Service at 0800 731 0469 or via gov.uk.
- Request a formal pension review and mention your possible eligibility.
The DWP £1,200 back payment scheme represents more than compensation—it’s a long-overdue correction for thousands of pensioners. For many women and elderly recipients, this could mean financial relief, peace of mind, and a recognition of what they were unjustly denied for years.
If you or a loved one may be affected, don’t delay. Act now to reclaim what’s rightfully yours.
FAQs
What is the DWP £1,200 Back Payment and why is it important?
It’s a financial correction for pensioners who were underpaid due to system errors. Some will receive thousands in backdated payments.
Who qualifies for the DWP £1,200 Back Payment?
Those most likely eligible include married women, widows, pensioners over 80, and those affected by HRP record errors.
How do I check if I’m owed a back payment?
Review your pension and NI records, then contact the Pension Service for a formal case review.