State Pension Update: Over 200,000 Pensioners Could Be Owed Back Payments

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is currently engaged in the process of contacting around 210,000 individuals who could potentially be affected by a matter concerning state pension back payments. It has been brought to attention that this issue predominantly affects women and those in their 60s and 70s. The correspondence sent by HMRC is specifically targeted towards those who may have an absence of Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP) on their National Insurance (NI) record.

Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Nigel Huddleston, has identified the root cause of this issue as the fact that National Insurance numbers were not consistently recorded when individuals claimed Child Benefit prior to the year 2000. Consequently, approximately 210,000 people may have experienced gaps in their Home Responsibilities Protection.

To rectify this situation, HMRC and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) are working together to address these cases in a timely manner. HMRC has already initiated contact with potentially affected individuals and aims to identify and reach out to the majority of individuals impacted over the next 18 months.

Additionally, the government has introduced a tool for individuals to verify if they are owed back payments. Those who are eligible will have their state pension award amended, and any arrears will be disbursed to them.

It is essential to be aware of specific criteria that may warrant contacting the Pension Service to investigate potential entitlement to state pension back payments. These criteria include, but are not limited to, married women whose husband turned 65 before March 17, 2008, and widowers who suspect they may have been underpaid during their late spouse’s lifetime.

The government has underscored its dedication to ensuring that all individuals receive the financial assistance they are entitled to. In light of this, HMRC and the DWP intend to conduct a broader campaign to guarantee that all eligible individuals are informed about the correction process.

In conclusion, the government is taking steps to address the issue of state pension back payments for potentially affected individuals, and it is recommended that those who believe they may be impacted should get in touch with the Pension Service to explore their eligibility.