Thousands of people in the UK could soon be getting pension back payments worth up to £12,000. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has revealed that many people might have been underpaid their State Pension for years without knowing it. Now, there is a full list showing who might be eligible to receive this money.
The DWP is working hard to correct these mistakes. They have said that some pensioners were underpaid because of errors that happened in the system. These mistakes mostly affected older women, especially those who retired before April 2016. In many cases, women who were married, widowed, or divorced missed out on extra payments they should have been getting.
This happened because of the way the State Pension system worked in the past. Women were often entitled to a pension based on their husband’s National Insurance contributions. However, not all of these claims were handled correctly. Because of this, some women got less money than they should have. Now, the DWP is trying to fix the issue and make sure people get the money they are owed.
The department has already paid out millions in back payments. But thousands of people are still waiting. The DWP has confirmed that they are contacting people who might be affected. If you think you might be eligible but have not been contacted yet, you can also get in touch with the Pension Service to check.
The full list of people who might be eligible includes:
- Married women whose husband turned 65 before March 17, 2008, and who did not get their pension updated automatically.
- Widowed women who did not have their State Pension increased when their husband died.
- Divorced women who may not have had their pension calculated correctly after their divorce.
- Women over 80 who should have been paid a standard State Pension but were underpaid.
The back payments can be life-changing. In some cases, people have received an extra £12,000 or even more. The average payout is around £6,000, but it can vary depending on each person’s situation.
The DWP has said they are making good progress, but it will take time to find and pay everyone who is owed money. They have teams working to review old records and make corrections. They have also promised to keep the process as simple as possible for those affected.
People who are eligible do not have to do anything if they are contacted. The DWP will review the case, make the correction, and then send a letter explaining what has happened. The money will then be paid directly into the person’s bank account.
If you think you might have been underpaid but have not heard from DWP, it is a good idea to check your State Pension details. You can do this by contacting the Pension Service or checking online. It is important to act because it could mean thousands of pounds in back payments.
The Government is under pressure to make sure that everyone gets what they are owed. Campaigners have said that the mistakes have left many people struggling in retirement when they should have been getting more money. Some have even called for compensation to be paid for the hardship caused by the errors.
While the DWP is not offering extra compensation beyond the back payments, they are focusing on making sure the correct money is paid as quickly as possible. They have said that getting these payments sorted is a top priority.
This news is important for thousands of people across the UK. If you or someone you know falls into one of the groups listed above, it’s worth checking if you could be due a back payment. Even if you are not sure, it does not hurt to ask. The Pension Service can check your record and let you know if you are affected.
In a time when many people are struggling with the cost of living, getting an unexpected payment like this could make a big difference. Whether it’s a few thousand pounds or much more, every bit helps.
The DWP has also said they will keep updating people as they make more progress. So, if you are waiting, keep an eye on your post and make sure the DWP has your correct address and contact details.
This situation shows how important it is to check your State Pension and make sure you are getting everything you are entitled to. Mistakes can happen, and it’s better to catch them early rather than miss out on money that you deserve.
Disclaimer: This article has been meticulously fact-checked by our team to ensure accuracy and uphold transparency. We strive to deliver trustworthy and dependable content to our readers.
