The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is issuing back payments of up to £12,000 to thousands of pensioners who were previously underpaid due to administrative errors in State Pension calculations.
The affected groups include married women, widows, and individuals over 80 who missed out on pension increases they were entitled to receive.
If you or someone you know receives a State Pension, it is crucial to check whether you qualify for these payments. This article explains who is eligible, how to check, and what to expect from the repayment process.
Payment
A government review found that thousands of pensioners—mainly women and older individuals—were underpaid due to manual errors and outdated processes in pension calculations. As a result, the DWP is now correcting these mistakes through phased repayments.
Details
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Payment Amount | Up to £12,000 per claimant |
| Eligible Groups | Married women, widows, individuals over 80 |
| Reason for Payment | DWP errors in State Pension calculations |
| Payment Timeline | 2024 (phased rollout) |
| How to Check Eligibility | Contact DWP Pension Service at 0800 731 0469 |
| Official Website | Visit Gov.uk – State Pension |
If you believe you or a relative might be affected, now is the time to review pension records and contact the DWP to claim the money owed.
Errors
The underpayments resulted from:
- Lack of automation in pension updates
- Errors in manual record-keeping
- Failure to apply pension increases for eligible recipients
Many pensioners, especially married women, did not receive automatic increases linked to their spouse’s contributions. Similarly, widows and over-80s were underpaid due to missing adjustments in their records.
To prevent future errors, the government is improving auditing processes and automated tracking systems for pension calculations.
Eligibility
The DWP has identified three main groups who may qualify for the £12,000 back payments:
Married Women (Category BL Pensions)
Some married women were entitled to receive 60% of their husband’s basic State Pension but did not get the automatic increase.
Example: A woman receiving a lower pension than she should have based on her husband’s contributions. Some cases date back several decades, meaning pensioners have been underpaid for most of their retirement.
Widows
Widows whose pensions were not updated after their spouse passed away.
Example: A widow continued receiving her own pension instead of being upgraded to reflect her late husband’s contributions. Many widows were unaware they were owed higher payments.
Individuals Over 80 (Category D Pensions)
Pensioners over 80 years old who were entitled to a non-contributory pension increase but did not receive it due to administrative errors.
Example: An 80-year-old receiving less than the guaranteed pension amount they were entitled to.
Check
To find out if you qualify, follow these steps:
Review Your Pension Records
Check your pension statements to see if you’re receiving the correct amount.
Contact the DWP Pension Service
- Call 0800 731 0469
- Visit Gov.uk – State Pension for more details
Provide Necessary Documents
Have these documents ready when contacting the DWP:
- National Insurance number
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Spouse’s details (if applicable)
- Previous pension statements
Wait for Confirmation
The DWP will review your records and notify you if adjustments or payments are due.
Appeal If Necessary
If you believe you were underpaid but not included in the repayment program, you can file an appeal with the DWP.
Process
The DWP is handling repayments in three phases:
| Phase | Group | Status | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | Married Women & Over-80s | Nearly completed | Straightforward cases (Category BL and D Pensions) |
| Phase 2 | Widows | Ongoing, expected by end of 2024 | Adjusting widow pensions |
| Phase 3 | Complex Cases | Under review | Mixed contributions, unclear records |
If you qualify, you do not need to apply manually—the DWP is contacting eligible pensioners directly.
FAQs
Who is eligible for the £12,000 back payments?
Married women, widows, and individuals over 80 affected by pension errors.
How do I check if I qualify for the DWP back payment?
Call the DWP Pension Service at 0800 731 0469.
Why were some pensioners underpaid?
Due to errors in manual pension calculations and missing updates.
Do I need to apply for the back payment?
No, the DWP is contacting eligible pensioners directly.
When will I receive my DWP back payment?
Payments are being issued in phases throughout 2024.
