The Government has been writing to those affected by the Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP) scheme since last autumn
State pensioners have been encouraged to verify their eligibility for an income increase, as it is estimated that thousands or even hundreds of thousands may have been underpaid. The Home Responsibilities Protection was a scheme intended to safeguard the state pensions of parents and carers.
This underpayment occurred because missing HRP credits reduced their National Insurance contributions record, which is used to calculate state pension entitlement. People typically need around 35 years of NI contributions to receive the full state pension rate. "And if you haven't got the letter, that doesn't mean that you're not eligible. You should still go on HMRC's website and check whether you're eligible, because you could be in for a tidy sum."
Sandy, who had not initially received a letter, took proactive steps after tuning into a BBC programme and was rewarded for her initiative. She shared her experience: "Iona first mentioned Home Responsibilities Protection earlier this year. I'd never heard of it, so I went online and completed the HMRC form."
The finance guru pointed out that while HMRC is contacting those it believes are entitled to more money due to Home Responsibilities Protection, there is a catch: "It's only using the addresses that it has on file, which means that some people may not have that correct address. They may have moved house, and that's why it's really important to check online."
"If you were receiving income support or that individual was claiming benefits and you may be eligible as well. Bear in mind that if you made your first claim for child benefit after May 2000, then this won't affect you, because after that point you had to put your National Insurance number on the forms. So really we're talking about those who made their first claim prior to 2000.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Record number of weapons surrendered in CambridgeshireOfficers say 370 weapons, including swords, have been handed in to police.
Read more »
Govt urged to act as charity claims 16% of pensioners at risk of malnutritionResearch by older people's charity Food Train looked at the extent of food insecurity in the elderly, but the group fears the figure could be much higher than reported.
Read more »
State pensioners with income under £50,270 urged to claim HMRC tax perkIt is often overlooked
Read more »
DWP state pensioners urged to spend £1.40 to get bills cut by £100State pensioners who have lost their £300 Winter Fuel Payment can get £100 back by spending just £1.40
Read more »
State pensioners urged to check their eligibility for Pension CreditYou may also be entitled to the Winter Fuel Payment, the Warm House Discount, social tariffs, cheaper broadband, free TV licences and lower water bills
Read more »
UK Government urged to reconsider Winter Fuel Payment cuts to help pensionersIndependent Age warns two million pensioners are facing poverty this winter.
Read more »