New Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) figures reveal that 13 million people in the UK and overseas are receiving the State Pension. However, many pensioners may be underpaid, with some entitled to back payments averaging £11,905 due to historical errors.
Ex-DWP worker Sandra Wrench is advising pensioners to carefully check their annual uprating letters, which are being sent out this month, to ensure they are receiving the correct amount.
How to Check for a State Pension Underpayment
If you reached State Pension age before April 2016, you are on the Basic State Pension and should check your DWP uprating letter for errors.
What to Look for in Your State Pension Payments
- Widows and divorcees should receive the full Basic State Pension, currently £169.50 per week (rising to £176.45 per week in April 2025).
- Married women and those over 80 should receive at least 60% of the Basic State Pension (£101.55 per week, increasing to £105.70 from April 2025).
- Over-80s also receive an extra 25p per week, bringing their total to £101.80 (or £105.95 from April 2025).
- Any additional pension and graduated pension will be paid on top of these amounts.
Tip: If your weekly pension payment is lower than expected, you could be underpaid and eligible for a back payment.
Why Are Some Women Receiving Less State Pension?
Many women may have been underpaid due to missing National Insurance (NI) contributions linked to Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP):
- Before April 1978, women stayed at home to care for children but received no pension protection.
- Between 1978 and 2010, HRP was introduced to protect NI contributions for parents caring for children under 16.
- After 2010, HRP was replaced by NI credits for parents and carers of children under 12.
- Some women who had children between 1978 and 2000 did not have HRP applied to their NI records, leading to lower pension payments.
Check your NI record for missing years and apply for HRP if necessary.
To check your NI record:
Visit GOV.UK to view your NI contributions.
If you do not have online access, call the NI helpline at 0300 200 3500.
What to Do If You Think Your State Pension Is Wrong
If you suspect you have been underpaid, contact the DWP immediately to request a review.
DWP Change of Circumstances Number: 0800 731 0469
When calling, state:
You believe your Basic State Pension is incorrect.
You would like a review of your payments.
If applicable, request a back payment for any missing amounts.
State Pension Increases from April 2025
The State Pension will increase from April 2025, following the triple lock system.
New State Pension Rates 2025/26
| State Pension Type | 2024/25 Rate (£ per week) | 2025/26 Rate (£ per week) |
|---|---|---|
| Full Basic State Pension | £169.50 | £176.45 |
| Married Women (60% Rate) | £101.55 | £105.70 |
| Over 80s (Including 25p Addition) | £101.80 | £105.95 |
Important: If your State Pension does not reflect these new rates from April 2025, contact the DWP.
Divorced Women Could Be Entitled to More State Pension
If you got divorced after claiming your State Pension, you may be eligible for a higher payment:
- If you receive less than 100% of the Basic State Pension, it could be increased using your ex-husband’s NI contributions.
- DWP will not know you are divorced unless you inform them.
- Send your decree absolute to DWP for confirmation.
DWP Contact Number for State Pension Reviews: 0800 151 2012
Tip: If you were already divorced when claiming your pension and received 100%, your entitlement remains the same even if you later remarry.
Bereavement Support Payment (BSP) Rules
Widows and widowers under State Pension age may qualify for Bereavement Support Payment if their spouse or civil partner died after April 2017.
- You must apply within 3 months of your spouse’s death to receive the full payment.
- You can still apply up to 21 months later, but payments will be reduced.
To claim BSP, contact DWP at 0800 731 0469.
With 13 million people receiving the State Pension, many could be underpaid due to historical errors. Pensioners should carefully check their annual uprating letters for mistakes and contact DWP if they believe they have been underpaid.
Steps to Take Now:
Check your DWP uprating letter for incorrect payments.
Review your NI record for missing contributions.
Contact DWP on 0800 731 0469 if your pension is lower than expected.
For more details, visit GOV.UK.
FAQ’s
How do I check if my State Pension is correct?
Check your DWP uprating letter and compare your payment with the official rates for 2025. If you believe you are underpaid, contact DWP at 0800 731 0469.
Who is most likely to be underpaid their State Pension?
Married women, widows, divorcees, and those over 80 are most likely to be affected due to missing National Insurance credits.
What should I do if my pension is lower than expected?
Call DWP at 0800 731 0469 to request a review of your pension payments and inquire about any back payments owed.
How much could I receive in back payments if underpaid?
Some pensioners have received back payments averaging £11,905 due to historical payment errors.
Will my State Pension increase in April 2025?
Yes, the full Basic State Pension will increase from £169.50 to £176.45 per week, and the 60% married women’s rate will rise to £105.70.
