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A significant number of UK pensioners, particularly women, are potentially missing out on substantial state pension payments due to historical administrative oversights by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Despite efforts to rectify these errors, many eligible individuals remain unaware or have yet to claim their rightful dues.
Understanding Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP)
Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP) was introduced in 1978 to safeguard the pension rights of individuals, mainly women, who took time off work to care for children or disabled relatives.
HRP provided National Insurance (NI) credits to ensure these individuals did not lose out on their state pension entitlements.
In 2010, HRP was replaced by NI credits, but discrepancies in records have led to underpayments.
The Scale of the Issue
Recent data reveals the extent of the underpayment problem:
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Letters Sent by HMRC | 370,018 |
| Cases with Arrears Identified | 12,379 |
| Total Arrears Paid | £104 million |
| Average Arrears per Person | £8,377 |
| Estimated Total Affected Individuals | Approximately 194,000 |
| Remaining Individuals Potentially Owed | Over 181,000 |
| Total Underpayments in 2024/2025 Tax Year | £450 million |
Source: Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Report, May 2025
Challenges in Reaching Affected Individuals
Several factors have hindered the DWP’s efforts to contact and compensate those affected:
- Digital Barriers: The application process is primarily online, posing challenges for elderly individuals unfamiliar with digital platforms.
- Scam Concerns: Many recipients mistook official letters for scams and disregarded them.
- Lack of Awareness: Some individuals were unaware of the link between past child benefit claims and their current pension entitlements.
- Perceived Ineligibility: A number of people believed they wouldn’t qualify or thought it was too late to claim.
Steve Webb, former Pensions Minister and partner at LCP, commented:
“It is deeply disappointing that efforts to track down mothers being underpaid their state pension have so far failed to reach the vast majority of those who the Government thinks have lost out.”
Eligibility Criteria for HRP
Individuals may be eligible for HRP if between 1978 and 2010 they:
- Received Child Benefit for a child under 16.
- Cared for a child while their partner received Child Benefit.
- Claimed Income Support due to caring responsibilities.
- Looked after someone receiving certain disability-related benefits.
- Were foster carers or kinship carers in Scotland (between 2003 and 2010).
It’s crucial that the National Insurance number was provided when claiming Child Benefit to ensure HRP credits were recorded.
How to Check and Claim Missing Payments
If you believe you might be affected:
- Check Your NI Record: Log into your Government Gateway account to review your National Insurance contributions.
- Submit the CF411 Form: This form allows you to apply for HRP credits. It can be found on the official UK Government website.
- Seek Assistance: If you’re uncomfortable with online processes, consider asking a trusted friend or family member for help, or contact the DWP helpline directly.
Fleur Iannazzo, a money wellbeing expert at Aon, advises:
“Anyone who thinks they might’ve been underpaid their state pension due to missing Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP) years should act now.”
The DWP’s initiative to rectify state pension underpayments has yet to reach the majority of those affected.
If you suspect you’re among them, especially if you had caregiving responsibilities between 1978 and 2010, it’s imperative to review your records and submit the necessary forms.
Taking action now could secure you a significant financial boost and ensure your pension reflects your rightful entitlements.
FAQs
What is the CF411 form?
The CF411 form is used to apply for Home Responsibilities Protection credits, which can correct your National Insurance record and potentially increase your state pension.
How do I know if I’m missing HRP credits?
By checking your National Insurance record via the Government Gateway, you can identify any missing years that should have been credited due to caregiving responsibilities.
Is there a deadline to claim missing HRP credits?
While there’s no official deadline, it’s advisable to act promptly to ensure any owed payments are received in a timely manner.