More than 200,000 parents across the UK may be owed up to £5,000 in missing State Pension payments due to historical errors in National Insurance records. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has launched an urgent appeal urging those affected—especially mothers who claimed Child Benefit between 1978 and 2010—to check their records and claim what they’re owed. This issue stems from failures in applying Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP), a program designed to safeguard pension rights for those who took time off work to raise children or care for others.
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What Is Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP)?
HRP was introduced in 1978 to help parents and carers—primarily women—maintain their eligibility for the Basic State Pension even if they had gaps in their employment. People who claimed Child Benefit were supposed to be automatically credited with HRP, but due to longstanding system failures, many were not.
This oversight means that many individuals now approaching or in retirement may have been underpaid for years. The average amount lost is around £5,000, and in some cases, it could be higher.
Scope and Impact of the Error
The government originally estimated around 210,000 people were affected, but as of now, only a small percentage have claimed their due. The scale of the issue is immense, with an estimated £1 billion in potential repayments. However, the DWP’s recovery effort has faced hurdles:
- Low public awareness
- Complex application process
- Limited success from letter campaigns
- Online tools underused
Former officials have criticized the government’s response, calling it inadequate and ineffective in reaching those who need the help most.
Why It Matters
The State Pension is a critical income source in retirement, particularly for women who may already face disadvantages due to lower lifetime earnings and part-time work. A missing HRP credit could mean reduced pension payments for life—amounting to thousands of pounds lost over time.
Correcting this mistake is not just about money. It’s about restoring fairness to those who made significant personal sacrifices by raising children or caring for others.
How to Check If You’re Affected
If you claimed Child Benefit between 1978 and 2010 and weren’t in full-time employment, it’s essential to verify your National Insurance record. Here’s how:
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 1 | Visit the HMRC website |
| 2 | Use the HRP checker tool or view your NI record |
| 3 | If records are incorrect, follow guidance to request a correction |
| 4 | You can also call HMRC at 0300 200 3500 for assistance |
There is no deadline to apply—the DWP has shifted this into a long-term correction program, so claims can be made at any time in the future.
What You Can Do Now
If you or someone you know fits the criteria, take action today:
- Review your Child Benefit claim dates
- Check your NI contributions and HRP credits
- Spread the word to friends, family, and community groups
- Don’t delay—while there’s no time limit, earlier claims can prevent further financial loss
Every parent who missed out deserves a fair shot at correcting their pension. This isn’t a handout—it’s a right that was overlooked, and it’s time to reclaim it.
FAQs
Who is eligible for the pension top-up?
Parents or carers—mainly mothers—who claimed Child Benefit between 1978 and 2010 but were not credited with HRP.
How much could I be owed?
On average, individuals have lost around £5,000, though it may vary depending on your NI record.
How do I check my HRP status?
Use the HMRC’s NI record checker or call 0300 200 3500.
Is there a deadline to claim?
No. The program is now open-ended, and you can apply at any time.
Why did this error happen?
It stemmed from failures in automatically applying HRP to Child Benefit recipients, particularly due to record-keeping issues between 1978 and 2010.
