Thousands of married couples over State Pension age across the UK could be missing out on payments worth up to £4,300, following renewed attention on historic State Pension underpayments. These underpayments are linked to older pension rules that many pensioners were never clearly informed about, particularly affecting couples where one partner has little or no National Insurance record.
Why Married Couples May Have Been Underpaid
Under the old State Pension system, entitlement rules for married couples worked very differently compared to today. A spouse who had not built up a full National Insurance record of their own could still be entitled to a pension based on their partner’s contributions.
Crucially, this entitlement was not always applied automatically. In many cases, a specific claim had to be made, and if it was not, pension payments remained lower than they should have been.
Where the £4,300 Figure Comes From
The £4,300 figure reflects a typical level of arrears identified in confirmed underpayment cases. Many pensioners were underpaid for several years before errors were spotted, leading to significant backdated payments.
The exact amount owed depends on factors such as how long the underpayment lasted and the pension rates at the time. Some pensioners have received less, while others have been owed considerably more.
Who Is Most Likely to Be Affected
The group most commonly affected includes married women over State Pension age, especially those who relied on their husband’s National Insurance record rather than having a full record of their own.
However, this issue is not limited to women. Some married men, widows, and even divorced pensioners may also be affected, depending on their individual circumstances.
The Role of the Old Basic State Pension Rules
Before the introduction of the new State Pension, the basic State Pension allowed a spouse to receive up to 60 per cent of their partner’s entitlement.
This increase often depended on manual claims and record updates. Where this process failed, pensioners continued to receive lower payments without realizing an increase was available.
Why Many Couples Were Never Told
In many cases, pensioners were not clearly informed that they needed to take action to receive the higher married rate. Some believed adjustments would happen automatically once their spouse reached State Pension age.
As a result, people trusted the system and continued receiving incorrect payments for years.
How Underpayments Were Discovered
Large-scale reviews carried out by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) uncovered widespread errors, particularly affecting married women, widows, and people aged over 80.
These reviews have already resulted in billions of pounds being repaid, but officials have acknowledged that not all cases have been identified.
Are Corrections Now Automatic?
While many underpayments have been corrected, some cases still rely on individuals coming forward. This means eligible pensioners could still be missing out simply because no review has been triggered.
This is why married couples are being encouraged to check their pension entitlement.
Why State Pension Age Matters
The issue mainly affects people who reached State Pension age before the new system was introduced. Those who retired fully under the new rules are far less likely to be affected.
Checking the date you reached State Pension age is an important first step.
How Marriage Can Affect Pension Entitlement
Marriage can increase entitlement where one partner has a stronger National Insurance record than the other. Under older rules, the lower-earning spouse could receive a higher pension based on their partner’s contributions.
These rules still apply to legacy cases today.
What About Widowed or Divorced Pensioners?
Some widowed or divorced pensioners may also be entitled to higher payments or arrears, depending on their former spouse’s National Insurance record.
Each case is assessed individually, making checks especially important.
Why £4,300 Is Not Guaranteed
It is important to understand that £4,300 is an average figure, not a guaranteed payment. Some people may receive less, while others could be owed more.
Eligibility and amounts depend entirely on individual circumstances.
How to Check If You Might Be Eligible
Eligibility depends on factors such as marital status, State Pension age, National Insurance history, and whether a married rate claim was made.
If you are unsure, requesting a check is strongly advised.
What Information You May Need
To assess entitlement, basic details are usually required, including National Insurance numbers, dates of birth, marriage details, and any pension award letters.
Having this information ready can help speed up the process.
How Arrears Are Paid
If an underpayment is confirmed, arrears are typically paid as a lump sum directly into the pensioner’s bank account.
These payments do not reduce future State Pension payments.
Will Arrears Affect Other Benefits?
In most cases, arrears do not affect ongoing benefits. However, pensioners receiving means-tested support may wish to seek independent advice.
Guidance is usually provided where necessary.
No Time Limit on Corrections
There is no strict time limit preventing underpayments from being corrected. In confirmed cases, arrears have been paid going back many years.
This makes checking worthwhile even if retirement was long ago.
Why This Matters Right Now
With household costs remaining high, even modest increases in pension income can make a meaningful difference. For many couples, arrears payments have provided vital financial relief.
Ensuring the correct pension is paid is more important than ever.
My name is Arsam, and I am the founder and author of Mymct. I created this website to share reliable mobile technology updates and important news in a simple and easy-to-understand way. I have a strong interest in smartphones, mobile apps, and the fast-changing digital world, and I enjoy researching topics that are useful for everyday users.