Mix-up is a sorry state for elderly

A TECHNICAL slip-up could mean you’re owed thousands of pounds more worth of state pension, and you may not be aware of it.

- by Katie Elliott

Whether you’re approaching the state pension age of 66, or have already reached it, now is the moment to check.More so, because the Department for Work and Pensions has slashed the pot of money it sets aside to repay those affected due to a poor response rate from those missing out on the cash.

The issue relates to Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP), which was replaced by National Insurance (NI) credits in 2010. People received HRP automatically between 1978 and 2010 if they claimed Child Benefit for a child under 16, or Income Support because they were looking after a sick or disabled person and were not able to work.

However, it has since been discovered that the system failed to accurately record HRP credits for some claimants after the shift to NI. Those who are affected will not have received, or be on track to receive, the correct amount of state pension.

To get a full state pension, most people need around 30 to 35 qualifying years, although the exact requirement varies, and some need more.