A significant update from government departments has revealed that women in their 60s and 70s may be eligible for back payments of up to £8,377 due to State Pension underpayments.
This comes after an administrative review identified missing National Insurance (NI) credits caused by overlooked Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP) periods.
The correction process is part of an extensive review, identifying tens of thousands of pension records with potential underpayment issues.
Understanding the Cause: What Is HRP?
Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP) was a scheme that existed between 1978 and 2010 to protect State Pension rights for those—mainly women—who stayed home to care for children or disabled dependents.
Due to historic record-keeping issues, many individuals did not receive the proper credits toward their State Pension.
This resulted in lower-than-expected or entirely missed payments for thousands of eligible recipients.
Who Is Affected?
The correction exercise primarily affects:
- Women born between April 1950 and April 1960
- People who claimed Child Benefit before May 2000
- Carers or those receiving Income Support for caregiving
- Foster or kinship carers between 2003 and 2010
Many of the affected individuals may have already reached or are nearing State Pension age, and the government has already begun issuing letters urging them to check their records.
Key Data Summary
Here’s an overview of the ongoing correction process:
| Category | Figure |
|---|---|
| Total letters sent | Over 370,000 |
| Total underpayments identified | 12,379 cases |
| Total amount issued as back pay | £104 million |
| Average back payment per recipient | £8,377 |
| Applications processed (under pension age) | 8,639 |
| Applications processed (over age 66) | 44,296 |
What to Do If You May Be Affected
If you are a woman in your 60s or 70s and believe you may be affected by the HRP-related underpayment, here’s what you should do:
1. Check Your National Insurance Record
You can review your NI record online to spot any gaps during the years you were eligible for HRP (1978–2010).
2. Use the Online HRP Checker Tool
A self-identification tool is available to help you determine whether you’re eligible for a correction and back payment.
3. Submit an Application
If HRP is missing from your record, you can apply to have it added. Once verified, your State Pension will be corrected, and you’ll receive any arrears owed.
HRP Eligibility Criteria Explained
You may still be able to apply for HRP for full tax years between 6 April 1978 and 5 April 2010 if any of the following were true:
- You were claiming Child Benefit for a child under 16.
- Your partner claimed Child Benefit while you were a caregiver.
- You were receiving Income Support while caring for someone who was sick or disabled.
- You were a foster or kinship carer.
- You cared for someone with a disability for at least 35 hours a week and they were receiving qualifying benefits.
Special Considerations
Married Women or Widows
You cannot get HRP for any complete tax year if:
- You opted for reduced-rate National Insurance (the “small stamp”) as an employee.
- You chose not to pay Class 2 contributions when self-employed.
Carer’s Allowance Recipients
If you were receiving Carer’s Allowance, you do not need to apply for HRP. NI credits are granted automatically in these cases.
Transferring HRP
If your partner claimed Child Benefit instead of you and didn’t need the HRP, it may be transferred to your record if you meet specific criteria.
Deadlines and Processing
Most eligible individuals are expected to receive corrected payments and any arrears by the end of 2025.
The average back payment is £8,377, though the amount varies based on individual NI records and entitlement.
It’s worth noting that not all who are reviewed will receive a payment. Some already qualify for full State Pension or have inherited additional benefits from a spouse.
If you’re a woman aged 60 to 79, there’s a chance you’ve missed out on thousands of pounds in State Pension due to historical NI credit issues. The ongoing correction effort is your opportunity to claim what’s rightfully yours.
With payments averaging £8,377, it’s essential to check your eligibility, apply if needed, and ensure your retirement income is fully secured.
FAQs
How do I know if I qualify for the State Pension back payment?
If you were a caregiver between 1978 and 2010 and didn’t receive HRP, you may qualify. Use the online tool to verify.
How much money could I receive?
The average back payment is £8,377, but your actual amount depends on your specific National Insurance record and missed HRP years.
Is there a deadline to apply for HRP correction?
While no fixed deadline has been announced, eligible individuals are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, with most payments due by year-end 2025.