Parents and Carers from 1978-2010 Could Be Owed Thousands in State Pension Back Payments
A BBC expert has detailed how a significant HMRC administrative error could entitle parents and carers who raised children between 1978 and 2010 to substantial back payments, potentially averaging £5,000 per person. The issue centres on Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP), a scheme designed to safeguard National Insurance contributions for those taking time out of work to care for children or disabled individuals.
The HRP Scheme and the £1.2 Billion Shortfall
HRP operated from April 1978 to April 2010, aiming to prevent parents and carers from losing out on their full state pension due to gaps in employment. However, a mix-up has left an estimated £1.2 billion owed in missing HRP payments. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) initiated a correction scheme in 2023 to address this, but uptake has been disappointingly low.
Dan Whitworth, a journalist for BBC Radio 4's Money Box, emphasised the importance of this issue. "This is specifically something to do with home responsibilities protection or HRP. What matters is when people, mainly women, took time out of the workplace to care for children and claim child benefit, they should have had this HRP added to their national insurance records," he explained on BBC Morning Live.
Real-Life Impact: One Viewer's £35,500 Windfall
The programme highlighted a compelling case where a viewer, after watching the segment, discovered she was owed money. Having stayed home with her child for 13 years during the 1980s while claiming Child Benefit, HRP should have reduced her required National Insurance contributions from 39 years to 26 years. Due to the missing credits, her pension was underpaid for 16 years.
Upon correction, she received a lump sum of over £35,500, and her weekly pension increased from £120 to £180. "It's the most remarkable story. This is one of the most standout I've ever come across," remarked Mr Whitworth, noting the life-changing sum and the ongoing weekly boost of £60.
Low Uptake Leaves Over £1.1 Billion Unclaimed
Despite the DWP's efforts, only 8% of affected individuals had come forward as of March 2025, resulting in just £104 million in repayments. This leaves more than £1.1 billion unclaimed. HMRC is now using National Insurance records to identify potential claimants and sending letters to some, but experts urge proactive checks.
How to Check Eligibility and Claim
If you believe you may be affected, follow these steps:
- Call HMRC on 0300 200 3500 to inquire about HRP credits.
- Use the government's online eligibility checker to assess your status.
- Complete the application online or by downloading form CF411 and posting it to HMRC.
Once processed, the DWP may adjust your pension and notify you of any repayment or weekly increase.
Who Qualifies for HRP Back Payments?
You may be eligible if, for full tax years between 1978 and 2010, you were:
- Caring for a child under 16 and claiming Child Benefit.
- Sharing child care with a partner who claimed Child Benefit instead of you—HRP may be transferable.
- Caring for a sick or disabled person.
Additionally, for tax years between 2003 and 2010, eligibility extends to foster carers and kinship carers in Scotland. If you reached State Pension age on or after 6 April 2010, any HRP was automatically converted into National Insurance credits, up to 22 qualifying years.
This oversight highlights a critical gap in pension protections for caregivers, with thousands potentially missing out on rightful payments. Immediate action is recommended to secure what is owed.
