DWP state pension boost: Thousands get back payments worth £8,377- check if you can claim

Between January 2024 and March 2025, officials identified 12,379 cases where women's National Insurance records contained errors, resulting in reduced pension payments. The mistakes primarily affect those in their sixties and seventies who took career breaks to raise children.

Retirement specialist Helen Morrissey warned that the pension system's complexity has deterred many eligible claimants. "This means many thousands are getting less than they are entitled to," she said, urging older people to verify their records with the Pension Service.

The issues stem from Home Responsibilities Protection, a programme operating from April 1978 to April 2010 that safeguarded pension entitlements for parents and carers.

The scheme reduced the qualifying years needed for full pension benefits, acknowledging time spent raising children or caring for sick or disabled individuals.

Problems arose when HRP credits weren't properly recorded on National Insurance accounts. Parents who claimed Child Benefit before May 2000 without providing their National Insurance number are particularly vulnerable to these errors.

The scheme allowed up to 22 years of protection, reducing the 39-year requirement for women and 44 for men. Eligible individuals included those claiming Child Benefit for children under 16, Income Support recipients caring for others, or those looking after someone receiving disability benefits.

The correction programme's scope extends far beyond initial estimates, with the DWP acknowledging that more than 130,000 individuals have been identified as receiving insufficient payments. Officials have allocated £800 million for repayments, though the final cost could surpass £1 billion.

The rectification process won't conclude until March 2027 at the earliest, according to government projections. Former pensions minister Sir Steve Webb described it as "one of the biggest correction exercises in the history of the State Pension."

Despite the substantial funds available, only eight per cent of eligible pensioners have claimed their entitlements as of March 2025. This leaves approximately £1.1 billion uncollected, with many unaware they're owed money unless they actively investigate their circumstances.

A BBC Morning Live viewer's experience illustrates the financial impact of these errors. She discovered £35,000 in unpaid pension after 13 years of childcare during the 1980s went unrecorded.

The missing HRP credits meant she'd been underpaid for 16 years. Once authorities corrected her record in September 2025, her weekly pension increased from £120 to £180, accompanied by a lump sum exceeding £35,500.

Research indicates multiple barriers preventing claims. Many affected pensioners struggle with online systems, while others dismiss legitimate HMRC correspondence as potential scams.

Some fear challenging their records might reduce their current payments. The system requires individuals to identify their eligibility independently, rather than automatic government corrections, further limiting uptake among vulnerable pensioners.

Pensioners suspecting underpayment should contact HMRC on 0300 200 3500 to verify their eligibility for Home Responsibilities Protection credits. The Government provides an online eligibility checker where claimants can submit applications digitally or download form CF411 for postal submission.

Those who first claimed Child Benefit after May 2000 needn't worry, as National Insurance numbers became mandatory then, ensuring proper record-keeping. Earlier claimants, however, should investigate their entitlements promptly.

Following HMRC processing, the DWP will adjust pensions accordingly and communicate any payment increases or lump sum repayments. LCP consultancy offers a free online tool allowing pensioners to assess potential underpayment by entering their age, marital status and current pension amount

With average repayments reaching £8,377 and some receiving up to £11,700, checking eligibility could prove financially significant for affected pensioners.