In April 2025, women across the UK are continuing to receive long-overdue back payments to correct historical State Pension underpayments. Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC), in collaboration with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), has confirmed that nearly 370,000 letters have already been issued to potentially affected individuals—primarily women—urging them to verify their pension entitlements.
These payments stem from administrative oversights linked to Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP) credits, a system that was intended to support those who took time away from paid work to care for children or relatives.
What Led to These Underpayments?
The issue traces back to the HRP scheme, active between 1978 and 2010, which protected the State Pension records of individuals—mainly women—who were not in formal employment due to caregiving duties. People automatically received HRP if they were claiming Child Benefit for children under 16 or receiving Income Support for caring responsibilities.
In 2010, the HRP scheme was replaced by National Insurance (NI) credits. However, in 2022, it came to light that a significant number of NI records were not updated correctly when this transition occurred. This led to hundreds of thousands of women being paid less than they were entitled to.
Current Progress in 2025
Between January 8, 2024, and September 30, 2024, HMRC identified 5,344 underpayment cases, amounting to £42 million in arrears. While more cases are expected to emerge, no data has been published on how many unique individuals were affected during this period.
Some recipients of these letters may find they are not eligible for back payments. In many instances, individuals already receive the correct amount through other entitlements, such as inherited pensions or previously adjusted calculations.
Who Might Be Affected?
Primarily, women born before April 6, 1953, who:
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Took time off work to raise children or care for relatives.
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Received Child Benefit or Income Support between 1978 and 2010.
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Have incomplete National Insurance records due to unrecorded HRP years.
If these conditions apply, and your State Pension is lower than the full entitlement, you may be due a back payment of up to £8,000 or more, depending on the length and extent of the missing credits.
Check If You’re Eligible
An online eligibility checker is available through the GOV.UK website, and individuals can use it multiple times. It’s important to note that not every case results in back payments. Here’s a quick comparison of common outcomes:
| Case Type | Result |
|---|---|
| Missing HRP Credits | May receive arrears payment |
| Already receiving full or enhanced pension | No payment due |
| Qualifying years unaffected | No payment due |
| Receiving other overlapping benefits | Payment may be offset or nullified |
| Inherited State Pension from deceased spouse | May already reflect correct amount |
Why It Matters
This correction isn’t just a financial adjustment—it’s a recognition of the caregiving roles many women assumed for decades. These underpayments disproportionately impacted individuals who contributed to society outside of the formal workforce, often without pension credit or financial support. This initiative attempts to close that long-standing gap.
What to Do Next
If you believe you may be affected:
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Visit the GOV.UK website and access the HRP eligibility checker.
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Ensure your National Insurance record is up to date.
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Contact HMRC or DWP if you believe there are discrepancies.
You do not need to apply proactively; HMRC is automatically identifying and contacting eligible individuals. However, taking initiative can speed up the process.
Conclusion
As of April 2025, the government continues to correct pension records for thousands of women short-changed due to administrative errors dating back decades. If you or someone you know may have provided unpaid care between 1978 and 2010, it’s worth reviewing your State Pension status. These backdated payments can make a substantial difference—both financially and symbolically—for those whose contributions went unrecognized.
FAQs
Who is eligible for the State Pension back payments?
Women who received Child Benefit or Income Support for caring roles between 1978 and 2010 and have incomplete NI records may be eligible. Most of those affected were born before April 1953.
How much money could I receive?
Payments vary, but the average underpayment is estimated to be between £1,000 and £8,000, depending on how many qualifying years were missed.
Do I need to apply for the back payment?
No formal application is needed. HMRC is identifying affected individuals and sending letters. However, checking your NI record and using the eligibility tool may help expedite review.
What if I already receive a full State Pension?
If your pension amount is already correct or enhanced (e.g., through inheritance), you will not be eligible for additional back pay.
Can men also be affected?
While the vast majority affected are women, some men who had similar caregiving roles and missing HRP credits may also qualify for a review.
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