HMRC Extra Financial Support: If you’re a woman aged 60 to 79, HMRC may owe you extra financial support because of historical errors in the Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP) scheme. Depending on the level of support you receive, this could enhance your State Pension and, in some cases, result in a cash payout of many thousands to you. But how do you determine whether you’re entitled to apply? So let’s streamline the entire process.
HRP was in operation from 1978 to 2010 to protect the State Pension rights of women who took time off work to care for children or for other dependents. However, due to missing National Insurance numbers on Child Benefit claims prior to May 2000, some women never received the National Insurance credits to which they were entitled—leaving them short in their pension payments.
HMRC Extra Financial Support
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Who is affected | Women aged 60 to 79 who claimed Child Benefit before May 2000 |
| Issue | Missing National Insurance credits due to HRP errors |
| Impact | Reduced State Pension payments and potential underpayments |
| Solution | Apply for missing HRP credits using CF411 form or online |
| Possible payout | Lump sums—some women received over £17,000 |
| Additional help | May qualify for Pension Credit and other benefits |
| Official Source | HMRC Website |
The State Pension underpayments due to HRP thus further demonstrate how administrative errors can severely impact the lives of women who had put in years of time in unpaid caregiving. Fortunately, HMRC is now remedying that situation, and many might be receiving thousands of pounds in back pension payments.
If you are a woman aged between 60 and 79 who claimed Child Benefit before May 2000, don’t delay: check your National Insurance record, fill out the CF411 form, and claim your just deserts!
What Is Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP)?
The HRP scheme was introduced to ensure that those caring for others would not be penalized in the calculation of their State Pension.
It did so by awarding National Insurance credits, HRP was there to protect one from pension shortfalls.
But in case your Child Benefit claim submitted before May 2000 missed including your National Insurance number, HMRC could have wrongly operated these credits.
This implies fewer qualifying years in terms of your National Insurance record and thus a State Pension below what you really deserve.
How Big Is The Problem?
Many thousands of affected mainly women; the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) report estimates around 237,000 State Pension underpayments may have occurred due to HRP-related errors.
“Steps are being taken to correct the records of those affected. Those that may have fallen past the net can now apply,” said HMRC in its press statement.
For instance, one woman was able to secure a £17,000 lump sum on account of the rectification of her records.
Who Is Eligible For HMRC Extra Financial Support?
You may be eligible if:
- You’re aged 60 to 79 (born between 6 April 1940 and 5 April 1969)
- You claimed Child Benefit between 1978 and 2000
- Your National Insurance number was not included in the Child Benefit application
- You have a State Pension shortfall as a result
- Even if HMRC hasn’t contacted you yet, you can still check your eligibility and take action.
How to Check and Claim HMRC Extra Financial Support
Step 1: Review Your National Insurance Record
Go to the National Insurance page of Gov.uk and look for gaps during the years you were caring for children.
Step 2: Use the HRP Eligibility Checker
Use HMRC’s HRP eligibility checker to find out if you are likely to be affected.
Step 3: Submit CF411 Form
If you qualify, complete the CF411 form and send it to HMRC.
Alternatively, you could complete the application online via your Government Gateway account.
Step 4: Follow Up with HMRC
Your State Pension may increase and a back payment for lost payments received if your correction is accepted.
Other Financial Help You May Qualify For
Pension Credit
You may be able to claim Pension Credit if your income is low, which would:
- Top up your weekly income
- Entitle you to free NHS dental treatment, Cold Weather Payments, and more
- Visit the Pension Credit official website to learn more or claim.
Winter Fuel and Housing Support
People on low pensions may also receive:
- Winter Fuel Payment of up to £600
- Council tax support
- Help with the rent and heating bills.
Real-Life Example
If Mary, aged 71, claimed Child Benefit from 1985 to 1995 but didn’t include her National Insurance number on the form, she is receiving a mere £125-a-week State Pension instead of the full rate of £185.15.
She checks her National Insurance record, fills in the CF411 form, and HMRC finds out she was missing 10 years of HRP credits. Mary’s pension will then be increased, and she will also receive a back payment of £9800.
