Overview

• HMRC posted on Facebook that people who claimed Child Benefit before May 2000 may boost their State Pension by claiming missing Home Responsibilities Protection.
• An HMRC spokesperson said the 'Where's My Reply' tool wrongly showed lengthy Child Benefit waits, which is now fixed, and online claims can be processed in as little as three days.
• Officials are using National Insurance records to identify likely missing HRP and have sent letters explaining how to check eligibility and claim, though many recipients did not respond.
• There is no time limit to apply for HRP corrections, with applications possible online, by post, or via form CF411, including routes for foster and kinship carers in Scotland between 2003 and 2010.
• DWP estimates underpaid State Pension due to HRP errors at £300 million to £1.5 billion, while advisers say many could receive around £5,000 on average, with some payouts far higher.