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3d ago

DWP Expects Just 8% Uptake for Missed State Pension Credits

The department has reduced its arrears provision from more than £1bn to £29.8m for future claims following a failed outreach campaign.

The issue mostly affects stay-at-home mothers now in their sixties and seventies.
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The issue arose because many thousands of mothers are missing 'Home Responsibilities Protection' on their NI record (Photo: Getty)

Overview

  • A 2024–25 DWP report reveals the expected reclaim rate for Home Responsibilities Protection credits has plunged from 90% to 8%.
  • Only 12,379 pensioners have had their records corrected so far, with £104 million paid out in arrears.
  • More than £1 billion originally set aside for underpayments has been removed from DWP accounts, leaving £29.8 million earmarked for further corrections.
  • Letters sent to 370,000 people directing them to an online claims checker flopped amid scam fears and usability challenges.
  • Under fire from former minister Sir Steve Webb, the DWP plans to overhaul its gov.uk guidance, uprating notices and stakeholder communications.