State Pension correction exercise

In the past, it was possible to claim larger State Pension payments based on a spouse or civil partner’s National Insurance record, and the date you and your partner reached State Pension age.

This would typically be a figure equal to 60% of your spouse or civil partner’s 'basic State Pension'.

The people most likely to benefit from this are women born before April 1953. The GOV.UK site outlines the circumstances that could mean you're eligible

Before March 2008, you'd have needed to make a claim for any extra amount.

After March 2008, this should be happening automatically.

However, it's come to light that many people weren't aware they needed make a claim before March 2008 and, since then, the automatic process might not have happened correctly.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has responsibility for the State Pension. The DWP has acknowledged that some people have been underpaid and have started an exercise to put this right They've stated:

“Where underpayments are identified, the department will contact the individual to inform them of the changes to their State Pension amount and of any arrears payment they will receive in accordance with the law.” 

However, some people won't be contacted automatically about any underpaid State Pension.

Those affected could include divorced women who reached State Pension age before April 2016, and married women whose husband turned 65 before 17 March 2008.

If you or someone you know might fall into this group, check with the Pension Service

The State Pension is administered by a government department called the Pension Service and we do not have access to any of these records. 

Whether or not you've been underpaid will depend on your individual circumstances, so we strongly suggest you contact the Pension Service to find out if you're affected.