A new report highlights that UK state pensioners may be missing out on substantial payments due to errors in their National Insurance (NI) records.
According to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), £450 million in state pension underpayments occurred in the 2024/2025 tax year, largely caused by a missing element known as Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP).
What Is Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP)?
HRP was introduced to safeguard the pension rights of individuals, especially women who took career breaks to care for children, from 1978 to 2010.
HRP granted NI credits to ensure they didn’t lose eligibility for the full state pension. After 2010, NI credits replaced HRP, but gaps in historic records have led to underpayments.
The Core Issue: Missing HRP in NI Records
Many affected pensioners have incomplete NI records due to missing HRP credits, which should have been automatically applied. This has resulted in lower pension payments for potentially thousands of retirees.
HMRC is currently reviewing these records to find those impacted.
Compensation Amounts and Claims
The average amount owed to those affected is £7,859, although some may be entitled to even more if on the full state pension. Experts recommend taking action now to verify entitlements and reclaim missed payments.
Claiming HRP with the CF411 Form
To address this issue, eligible individuals must complete the CF411 form available on the official UK Government website. Help is also accessible online or through the DWP helpline.
How CF411 Helps
| Form Name | Purpose | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| CF411 | Apply for HRP credits | Add missing years to NI record to increase state pension and reclaim back pay |
Expert Advice: Don’t Delay
Fleur Iannazzo, money wellbeing coach at Aon, urged pensioners to act quickly:
“Anyone who believes they were underpaid due to missing HRP years should take steps to apply now. Ask a friend or family member for help if needed.”
Steps to Check If You’re Affected
Kristian Manton, financial adviser at Octopus Money, recommends the following:
- Log in to your Government Gateway account.
- Check your NI contribution record and compare it to your state pension payments.
- If discrepancies are found, contact DWP to request a review.
- Consider other income sources to ensure accurate tax codes and avoid misreporting.
“Regular checks of your NI and pension records can prevent long-term loss, especially as the state pension is taxable.
The recent discovery of £450 million in underpaid state pensions highlights a critical issue for thousands of UK pensioners. If you took time off work for caregiving between 1978 and 2010, you might be owed significant arrears.
Taking a few minutes to check your NI record and submit the CF411 form could mean reclaiming up to £7,859 or more. Act now to ensure you’re not missing out on money you rightfully deserve.
FAQs
What is the CF411 form, and how do I use it?
The CF411 form is used to apply for Home Responsibilities Protection credits. It can be submitted via the government’s website, helping to correct NI records and potentially boost your state pension.
How do I know if I’m missing HRP on my NI record?
You can log into the Government Gateway, check your NI record, and compare it with your state pension amount. If something appears wrong, contact the DWP.
Who is most likely to be affected by the missing HRP issue?
Primarily women who took time off work to care for children between 1978 and 2010 may have missing HRP years, resulting in reduced pension payments.