State Pension correction exercise

In the past, it was possible to claim larger State Pension payments based on a spouse or civil partner’s National Insurance record, and the date you and your partner reached State Pension age.

This would typically be a figure equal to 60% of your spouse or civil partner’s 'basic State Pension'.

The people most likely to benefit from this are women born before April 1953. GOV.UK outlines the circumstances that could mean you qualify

Before March 2008, you'd have needed to make a claim for any extra amount.

After March 2008, this should be happening automatically.

However, it's come to light that many people weren't aware they needed to make a claim before March 2008 and, since then, the automatic process might not have happened correctly.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has responsibility for the State Pension. It has acknowledged that some people have been underpaid and has started an exercise to put this right The DWP stated:

“Where underpayments are identified, the department will contact the individual to inform them of the changes to their State Pension amount and of any arrears payment they will receive in accordance with the law.” 

However, some people won't be contacted automatically about any underpaid State Pension.

Those affected could include divorced women who reached State Pension age before April 2016, and married women whose husband turned 65 before 17 March 2008.

If you or someone you know might fall into this group, check with the Pension ServiceOpens in a new window - they are part of the DWP and administer the State Pension. At MoneyHelper, we don't have access to these records.

Whether you've been underpaid will depend on your individual circumstances, so we strongly suggest you contact the Pension Service to find out if you're affected. 

Some people may have Home Responsibilities Protection Home (HRP) missing from their National Insurance records. This could affect their State Pension. More details about HRP are available on GOV.UKOpens in a new window

HRP was a scheme to help protect parents’ and carers’ entitlement to State Pension. National Insurance credits replaced HRP from 6 April 2010.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) are working together to find people affected and correct their records so they receive the correct amount of State PensionOpens in a new window

Affected people should not need to contact the DWP or HMRC directly.