Pensioners could be due a huge payout and to check their paperwork thoroughly (Image: shapecharge via Getty Images)
Pensioners need to examine an upcoming letter about their state pension in great detail, according to an expert. Sandra Wrench, a former employee at the Department for Work and Pensions (), has warned pensioners that they must be vigilant when they receive their annual uprating letter.
Government departments are currently combing through tens of thousands of payments to check for historical errors. There are potential back payments of up to £11,905 on average being doled out as a result. The issue is being investigated by the and HM Revenue and Customs (), 13 million people are now drawing their .
Despite most payments being correct, Sandra Wrench is urging pensioners to meticulously examine their annual uprating letters, which are set to arrive this month. Sandra explains how those who began receiving their before April 2016 can swiftly identify a possible payment mistake and take action.
Speaking to , Sandra said: “There has been a lot of coverage in the media about the underpayment of the , but not a lot of information about how pensioners can check for themselves whether they are in receipt of the correct amount or not.
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HMRC and the DWP are investigating underpayment of the state pension (Image: Alphotographic via Getty Images)
“Having worked in for 42 years, 18 years of which were spent on , my advice to pensioners is to be proactive, and the following information may be of use in ascertaining whether you have been underpaid or not.”
How to check your uprating letter from DWP for underpayment
Those who reached age before April 2016 and receive the Basic should be receiving the following.
From April 2024, widows and divorcees are entitled to a full basic , currently set at £169.50 per week, which is expected to rise to £176.45 per week from April 2025. Any additional or graduated pension would be paid on top of this base amount.
Married women and those over 80 should receive at least 60 per cent of the Basic rate, which stands at £101.55. Again, any additional or graduated pension would be added to this base sum.
Those aged over 80 also receive an age addition of 25 pence, bringing their total to £101.80. This 25 pence age addition has remained unchanged for years.
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Pensioners should contact the DWP with any concerns of underpayment (Image: TkKurikawa via Getty Images)
From April 2025, the full Basic of £169.50 will increase to £176.45 under the old scheme, while the 60 per cent rate will rise from £101.55 to £105.70. The Over-80s will continue to receive the additional age addition of 25 pence, which is not due for an increase.
What should I do if my State Pension payment is wrong?
If you believe your is incorrect, Sandra advises contacting the on their change of circumstances telephone number 0800 731 0469, stating that you have been underpaid and requesting a review of your .
Why do some women receive a lower rate of Basic State Pension?
Sandra highlighted a potential issue affecting women’s State Pensions, explaining: “One possible reason is that women who had their children prior to April 1978 had no protection for their if they stayed at home to look after their children, as Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP) was not introduced until April 1978, and you got this protection until your child was 16.
“In April 2010 HRP was replaced by National Insurance (NI) Credits for parents and carers, and you got these credits until the child was 12. The government () issued a statement in July 2023 that a lot of women who had children between 1978 and 2000 may not have had HRP added to their NI accounts, so consequently may have been underpaid their .
“Prior to 2000 you did not have to put your National Insurance number on the child benefit form when you claimed child benefit.”
Sandra advises those concerned to check their NI records for any gaps during times when they had young children and to claim for HRP if appropriate. For individuals without computer access, Sandra provided assistance with the NI helpline number: 0300 200 3500.
Divorced women
“If you get divorced after you have claimed your , you need to notify on 0800 731 0469 as this is a change of circumstances, and if you have less than 100 per cent Basic , it could be increased to 100 per cent using your ex-husband’s NI contributions,” Sandra continued.
“Any additional pension and graduated pension you have, will be paid in addition to your Basic . will not know that you are divorced unless you tell them. You will need to send in your decree absolute to for confirmation of your date of divorce.” Furthermore, she clarified that once your has been awarded, it’s yours for good; even if you remarry shortly after claiming your with entitlement to the full 100 per cent Basic , your entitlement remains unchanged.
Sandra highlighted that the Bereavement Support Payment took over from Widows Benefits in 2017 and must be claimed within three months of your spouse or civil partner’s death to receive the full rate. Claims can be made up to 21 months later but will result in fewer payments.
For those on the Basic , the contact number is 0800 151 2012. Additionally, cohabiting parents with dependent children have been eligible to apply for bereavement benefits since February 9, 2023, following a change in legislation.