A major Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) error could mean thousands of state pensioners across the UK are owed an average of £8,377 each, according to recent reports.
Concerns have grown after the DWP revealed plans to delete old pension records, sparking fears that some underpaid pensioners could miss out on money they are entitled to.
The issue is linked to Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP), a scheme designed to help people — mainly women — who took time out of work to care for children or disabled relatives between 1978 and 2010. Missing HRP credits in National Insurance (NI) records have resulted in some pensioners being underpaid their State Pension.
Table of Contents
DWP and HMRC Response
According to the DWP’s latest annual report, approximately 194,000 people could be affected by the HRP error, with £1.15 billion set aside to resolve the problem.
As of March 31, 2024, data from Which? revealed that 12,379 pensioners had already received repayments totaling £104 million, averaging £8,377 per person.
However, the DWP’s plan to resume deleting older pension records has raised alarm among campaigners, who argue that doing so may make it harder to identify and reimburse affected pensioners in the future.
How to Check if You’re Affected
The HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has sent over 370,000 letters to individuals — predominantly women — urging them to check if their State Pension is correct.
If you cared for children or disabled adults between 1978 and 2010, you might have missing NI credits that should count toward your pension.
If you haven’t received a letter, you can use the Government’s online pension checking tool to verify your records and see if you’re eligible for a back payment.
Key Figures at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Estimated people affected | 194,000 |
| Total amount allocated by DWP | £1.15 billion |
| People repaid so far | 12,379 |
| Total repaid | £104 million |
| Average repayment | £8,377 |
| Time period affected | 1978–2010 |
| Scheme involved | Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP) |
Why It Matters
Many of those impacted are retired women who may have taken time off work to raise families or provide unpaid care. Without the HRP credits being properly recorded, their State Pension entitlements were reduced — often without their knowledge.
Campaigners are urging anyone who believes they might be affected to check their NI record immediately before old data is erased.
(FAQs)
1. What is the HRP error?
The Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP) error refers to missing National Insurance credits for people who cared for children or disabled adults between 1978 and 2010. These credits should count toward the State Pension.
2. Who is most likely to be affected?
Mostly women who stayed home to care for children or relatives during the affected period.
3. How do I check if I’m owed money?
Visit the UK Government’s State Pension page or check your National Insurance record online. HMRC has also been sending letters to those likely to be affected.
4. How much could I be owed?
On average, repayments have been around £8,377, but the exact amount depends on your individual NI record.
5. What happens if records are deleted?
If old pension records are erased, it could become harder to prove eligibility and claim back any owed money. Experts advise checking as soon as possible.