Thousands of women across the UK may be missing out on money they rightfully deserve in their State Pension, according to a recent warning from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). The issue stems from missing records linked to a now-defunct system called Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP)—a scheme that supported those who took time off work to raise children or care for family members.
What Is Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP)?
HRP was introduced in 1978 to prevent parents and carers—particularly women—from losing out on their State Pension due to time spent out of the workforce. Instead of requiring a full 39 or 44 years of National Insurance (NI) contributions, HRP reduced the number of years someone needed to qualify for a full pension.
This system remained in place until 5 April 2010, after which it was replaced by NI credits, which now work by adding qualifying years to a person’s NI record.
HRP vs. NI Credits: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | HRP (1978–2010) | NI Credits (Post-2010) |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Reduces required qualifying years | Adds qualifying years to NI record |
| Shown on NI record? | No (not displayed as credits) | Yes (clearly listed as credit years) |
| Linked automatically? | Only if NI number was provided | Yes, in most modern systems |
Who Is Affected?
This issue primarily affects women aged 60 to 79 today, especially those born between 1940 and 1960 who:
- Claimed Child Benefit between 1978 and May 2000
- Did not provide their NI number when making the claim
- Took time off to raise children or care for a loved one
Because it wasn’t mandatory to submit an NI number before May 2000, many HRP entitlements were never properly recorded, leading to fewer qualifying years on their pension record—and ultimately, a lower pension payout.
Real-Life Example:
One woman shared how her mother-in-law, born in 1944, received a reduced State Pension. Upon checking her NI record, it showed no contributions between 1978 and 1988—even though she was raising two children and claiming Child Benefit. HMRC later confirmed that HRP had been applied, but the record didn’t show it, causing confusion over her entitlement.
What You Should Do
If you or someone you know may be affected, here are the steps to follow:
- Request your National Insurance record from HMRC
- Check for gaps during any years when you were raising children or providing care
- If HRP is missing or unclear, contact The Pension Service at 0800 731 0469
- Ask for a review of how your pension was calculated and whether HRP was properly applied
- Keep any letters or documents confirming Child Benefit claims or HRP eligibility
Even a few missing qualifying years could result in thousands of pounds lost over your retirement—so it’s worth reviewing.
Government Action and Back Payments
The government has acknowledged the issue and is reviewing affected cases. If your HRP record was missed or mishandled:
- You may be eligible for a correction
- You could receive backdated payments if underpaid
- The adjustment may increase your weekly State Pension amount
While reviews are ongoing, proactive checks by individuals are highly encouraged.
FAQs
What was HRP and who qualified for it?
HRP (Home Responsibilities Protection) helped parents and carers avoid gaps in their National Insurance records between 1978 and 2010. It was available to those claiming Child Benefit or providing care for someone at home.
Why were some HRP records not linked properly?
Before May 2000, providing a National Insurance number wasn’t required when claiming Child Benefit. As a result, HRP was sometimes not correctly linked to an individual’s NI record.
How do I check if I’m affected?
Request your NI record from HMRC. If it shows gaps during years when you were raising children or caring for someone, call the Pension Service at 0800 731 0469 for a detailed review.
