05/02/2026
Please share! Underpaid state pension for women mainly over age 65. Iv had clients paid out £thousands :
Tens of thousands of women, particularly those aged 65 and over (including age 74), may be entitled to a, state pension top-up due to historical underpayments by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The issue stems from a failure to automatically increase pensions for married women, widows, and those over 80.
Key Information for Claiming Shortfalls (LEAP Exercise)
Who is affected: Women who reached state pension age before April 2016, specifically married women whose husband turned 65 before March 17, 2008, and women who did not have a top-up applied automatically.
The Problem: Many women should have had their basic pension increased to 60% of their husband's rate (approx. £101.55 per week in 2024/25) but did not.
Action Required: While the DWP is conducting a "Legal Entitlements and Administrative Practices" (LEAP) exercise to correct this, those who believe they are affected should contact the Pension Service to request a review.
Contact Number: 0800 731 0469 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm).
Divorced Women: Women who divorced after reaching State Pension age may also be eligible for an increased pension based on their ex-husband's National Insurance record.
Important Distinctions
Underpayment Correction (LEAP): This is a correction of existing rules, with thousands having already received backpayments.
WASPI Compensation: This is separate from the LEAP underpayment corrections. The Ombudsman found that women born in the 1950s (WASPI women) were not properly notified of pension age changes. While an official investigation concluded they are owed compensation, the government has not yet confirmed the amount.
How to Check
You can check if you have a shortfall by calling the Pension Service, or if you are the executor/next of kin of someone who has passed away, you can also request a check.
