HMRC is encouraging parents who claimed child benefit before 2000, particularly women at or nearing state pension age, to check for gaps in their National Insurance (NI) records. This is crucial, as these gaps could reduce their entitlement to a full state pension unless action is taken.
Between 1978 and 2000, Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP) helped protect the state pension of those with caring responsibilities by reducing the number of qualifying years required. However, HRP was not applied if a claimant failed to provide their NI number when claiming child benefit before May 2000. As a result, their state pension could be lower than expected.
HMRC, in collaboration with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), is identifying those affected and urging them to claim HRP to amend their NI records. So far, 257,000 pensioners have been contacted, although you do not need to wait for a letter to act. HMRC is now reaching out to those under pension age, encouraging them to use the online eligibility checker.
If you make a successful claim, HMRC will update your NI record, and DWP will recalculate your state pension entitlement, potentially increasing your payments.
HMRC said:
“If people are missing HRP from their NI record, it does not automatically mean their state pension calculation is incorrect, but it does increase the possibility, particularly if they spent a number of years away from work to raise a family.”
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