DWP Underpaid Women’s Pension: How to Claim Your Missing Payments?

Thousands of women in the UK have been underpaid their state pensions due to miscalculations by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

Many affected women have reported that they were never contacted by the DWP, despite the government stating that it had written to those affected.

As a result, numerous women may still be unaware that they are owed thousands of pounds in back payments, and sadly, many have passed away without ever receiving their rightful pension.

The underpayment issue was first highlighted by Sir Steve Webb, a former pensions minister who is now a partner at LCP, a pension consultancy. He estimates that over 230,000 women have been underpaid by the DWP.

Since the correction process began in January 2021, the DWP has repaid £571 million to affected pensioners. However, many women still need to check their pension payments and make a claim if they suspect they have been underpaid.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the DWP underpaid women’s pension issue, including details on who is affected, how to check if you were underpaid, and how to claim back any missing pension payments.

What Is the DWP Underpaid Women’s Pension Issue?

Errors in the state pension system have resulted in thousands of women receiving less than they were entitled to.

These miscalculations particularly affected women who should have received automatic pension increases based on their husband’s National Insurance (NI) contributions but did not receive the correct amount.

Who Has Been Affected by Pension Underpayments?

The groups most affected by this issue include:

• Married women who were entitled to a pension increase when their husband retired but never received it.
• Widows who should have seen an increase in their pension after their spouse passed away but did not receive the correct amount.
• Over-80s pensioners who should have received a non-contributory pension increase based on their age.

These pension errors have been ongoing for several years. The Parliamentary Ombudsman has now launched an investigation into the matter after LCP highlighted that many women did not realize they needed to make a second claim for a pension uplift once their husband retired.

It was discovered that the only notification women received about the need to claim was included on their husband’s state pension form, meaning many were left in the dark about their entitlement.

In March 2008, the rules were changed so that pension increases were applied automatically, but many women who retired before this date missed out.

According to Steve Webb, the former pensions minister, this situation resulted from a “fundamentally sexist and archaic system” that relied on married men filling out forms correctly to ensure their wives received the right pension payments.

Who Is Eligible to Claim an Underpaid Pension?

If you are a woman aged 65 or older and receive a basic state pension, you might be eligible for a back payment.

You may qualify if:

• You claimed your state pension before April 2016.
• You should have received a higher pension based on your husband’s National Insurance contributions but did not.
• You are a widow who was underpaid after your spouse passed away.
• You are over 80 and receive a low state pension despite living in the UK for a long time.

Since not all cases are reviewed automatically, it is important to check your pension records and make a claim if necessary.

How Much Unpaid State Pension Could You Be Owed?

According to the DWP’s latest figures from March 2024, 97,016 pensioners (mostly women) have received back payments so far.

The amount refunded varies, with payments ranging from £2,192 to £12,486, depending on the individual’s pension bracket.

Women who suspect they have been underpaid should check their pension records and take action as soon as possible.

How Can You Check If You Were Underpaid?

If you suspect that you have been underpaid on your state pension, it is essential to take the necessary steps to review your pension records and contact the appropriate authorities to confirm whether you are owed money.

Many women have only become aware of the issue through media reports or financial advisers, as the DWP did not notify everyone who was affected.

Here is a step-by-step guide to help you determine whether you have been underpaid:

Review Your Pension Statements

The first step is to check your state pension statements and compare them with the expected pension rates.

The amount you receive should align with your National Insurance contributions or, if applicable, your husband’s contributions under the old pension system.

If you notice discrepancies or your payments seem lower than expected, you may be one of the affected pensioners.

You can find your state pension details by:

• Logging into your Personal Tax Account on Gov.uk.
• Reviewing past pension payment records to identify inconsistencies.

Compare Your Pension Payments with Official Rates

The government sets standard state pension rates each year. If your pension is significantly lower than the expected amount, especially if you were entitled to an increase due to marriage or widowhood, you may have been underpaid.

For example:

• If you are a married woman who retired before April 2016, your pension should have automatically increased when your husband retired.
• If you are a widow, your pension should have been adjusted after your spouse’s death.

Use Online Pension Tools and Calculators

There are free tools available that can help you estimate your pension entitlement:

• The Gov. UK state pension forecast tool allows you to check how much you should be receiving.
• Independent pension advice websites also provide state pension calculators to help estimate potential shortfalls.

Contact the DWP Pension Service Helpline

• If you are unsure whether you have been underpaid, the most reliable way to find out is by contacting the Pension Service directly.

The DWP has set up a dedicated helpline for pension queries:

• Call the Pension Service at 0800 731 0469
• Lines are open Monday to Friday, 8 am – 6 pm.

Alternatively, you can write to the DWP at the following address:

The Pension Service
Post Handling Site A
Wolverhampton
WV98 1AF

Gather Important Documents Before Calling

To speed up the process, have the following details ready when calling the DWP:

• Your full name, date of birth, and National Insurance number.
• Your current annual state pension amount.
• If married, your husband’s name, date of birth, National Insurance number, and current or last known pension amount.
• If widowed, your late husband’s date of death.

If the Pension Service confirms that you have been underpaid, they will explain how to claim back payments.

Seek Independent Advice If Needed

If the process seems complicated, or you are unsure about whether you should have received a higher pension, it may be helpful to consult a pension specialist or an independent financial adviser.

Charities such as Age UK and The Pension Advisory Service offer free advice on state pension entitlement.

How Much State Pension Do Women Receive?

The amount of state pension a woman receives depends on when she reaches pension age, her National Insurance (NI) contributions, and whether she is eligible for additional pension credits.

The New State Pension (For Women Who Reached Pension Age After April 6, 2016)

Women who reached pension age on or after April 6, 2016, receive the new State Pension. This system applies to those who have at least 10 qualifying years of National Insurance contributions and provides a higher flat-rate pension.

• 2024/25 rate: £221.20 per week (£11,502 per year).
• April 2025 rate: £230.30 per week (£11,975 per year).

To qualify for the full new State Pension, a woman must have at least 35 years of National Insurance contributions. If she is between 10 and 35 years old, she will receive a proportionate amount based on her NI record.

The Basic State Pension (For Women Who Reached Pension Age Before April 6, 2016)

Women who reached pension age before April 6, 2016, receive the basic State Pension under the old system.

• 2024/25 rate: £169.50 per week (£8,814 per year).
• April 2025 rate: £176.45 per week (£9,175 per year).

Under this system, some women may be entitled to pension increases based on their husband’s NI contributions.

These increases should have been automatically applied after March 2008, but many women were underpaid due to errors in the system.

Women on the basic state pension may also receive additional pension income from:

• The Additional State Pension (SERPS or State Second Pension).
• Pension Credit, which provides extra financial support for low-income pensioners.

Women who do not qualify for a full pension can also top up their NI contributions through voluntary contributions.

What Is the State Pension Age for Women?

The State Pension age has undergone significant changes over the past few decades.

Current State Pension Age

As of 2024, the State Pension age is 66 for both men and women.

Future Increases to the State Pension Age

The government has planned further increases:

Year	State Pension Age	Who is Affected?
2026 – 2028	67	People born after April 1960
2044 – 2046	68	People born after April 1977

These changes mean that younger generations will have to wait longer before they can claim their state pension.

Private and Workplace Pensions

• For those with private pensions or workplace pensions, the age at which they can access their pension funds tax-free is currently 55. However, in 2028, this will rise to 57.

Life Expectancy and the Future of the State Pension

• As the UK’s life expectancy increases, there has been ongoing debate about whether the State Pension age should rise even further.

According to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS):

• Women born between 2020 and 2022 have an average life expectancy of 82.6 years.
• Men in the same age group have an average life expectancy of 78.6 years.

This means that many women will spend nearly two decades in retirement, making it even more crucial to ensure they receive the full state pension they are entitled to.

Conclusion: Why Should You Act Now?

The DWP underpayment issue has affected thousands of women across the UK. If you suspect that you or someone you know has been underpaid, act now to check and claim missing payments.

A DWP spokesperson stated:
“The action we are taking now will correct historical underpayments made by successive governments. We are fully committed to addressing these errors as quickly as possible.”

Since not all cases are reviewed automatically, it is important to take action today to secure the pension you are entitled to.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I know if I have been underpaid my state pension?

You can check by reviewing your pension payments against the expected rates. If you suspect an underpayment, contact the Pension Service at 0800 731 0469 for a review.

How much back payment can I receive if I was underpaid?

Back payments range from £2,192 to £12,486, depending on your circumstances. The DWP has already repaid over £571 million, but many cases are still under review.

Will the DWP automatically correct my pension underpayment?

Some cases are corrected automatically, but many women need to submit a claim. It is best to contact the DWP Pension Service to confirm your status.

How long does it take to receive my back payment?

Processing times vary, but most claims take between 3 to 12 months. Complex cases, such as those involving widows, may take longer.

What if my pension claim is rejected?

You can request a reconsideration from the DWP, seek help from pension advocacy groups, or contact your local MP for assistance.

What is the current state pension age for women?

As of 2024, the state pension age for women is 66. It will rise to 67 between 2026 and 2028 and 68 from 2044 onwards.