The Treasury recently confirmed that HM Revenue and Customs started writing to older people whose National Insurance records may be affected by missing periods of Home Responsibilities Protection in September 2023, inviting them to apply to fill potential gaps to ensure they receive the correct amount of State Pension.
Mr Huddleston MP told MPs that the main cause of the issue was that NI numbers were not always recorded when people claimed Child Benefit before 2000. The UK Government have estimated that around 210,000 individuals may have been affected by missing periods of HRP between 1978 and 2000. “HMRC and DWP are working together to correct cases as quickly as possible. HMRC started contacting potentially impacted customers from September 2023, prioritising those above State Pension age. They aim to identify and contact the majority of individuals who may have been affected over the next 18 months so that those eligible receive any arrears payments as quickly as possible.”
He added that HMRC and DWP will also conduct a wider campaign to ensure that all those who may be eligible are aware of the correction exercise. Married Widowed Over 80 Get the latest Record Money news Join the conversation on our Money Saving Scotland Facebook group for energy and money-saving tips, the latest benefits news, consumer help and advice on coping with the cost of living crisis.