Waspi issued urgent warning over £5,500 DWP payment as ‘many are unaware’
Millions of women affected by state pension changes could be losing out on as much as £5,500 in unclaimed benefits, according to warnings from a leading charity.
Benefits organisation Money Wellness has raised concerns that vast numbers of women nearing retirement age remain completely unaware of the financial support available to them through the Department for Work and Pensions.
Rebecca Lamb, external relations manager at the charity, said: “We see thousands of women approaching retirement who’re completely unaware of what they’re entitled to, and it’s not just a WASPI problem.”
The warning comes as the long-running dispute over compensation for women born in the 1950s continues to highlight significant gaps in benefit awareness across the country.
The WASPI campaign group, representing women born in the 1950s, has spent more than ten years fighting for compensation after the state pension age for women was raised from 60 to 65 and subsequently to 66.
These women maintain that the DWP failed to give them adequate notice about the extended wait for their pension payments, leaving many with shattered retirement plans.
However, Labour ministers recently confirmed that no compensation would be forthcoming.
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden acknowledged that notification letters could have been dispatched earlier, stating: “And I am sorry that those letters were not sent sooner.”
The WASPI campaign group has spent more than ten years fighting for compensation
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GETTYMs Lamb highlighted the structural disadvantages many women face: “Women are often worse off because of career breaks, part-time work, caring responsibilities, and divorce, which creates gaps in pensions and National Insurance.”
To qualify for the full new state pension, individuals typically require 35 years of National Insurance contributions, with the current weekly payment standing at £230.25.
Pension Credit offers a significant financial boost, with the average claim providing more than £4,300 annually. Ms Lamb explained: “Pension Credit can add up to £3,500 for singles or £5,500 for couples and unlock help with council tax, housing, and energy bills.
“Missing out can mean years of unnecessary financial struggle.”
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Waspi women seek compensation from the Labour government due to DWP “maladministration” | Getty ImagesApproximately 880,000 households are estimated to be missing out on Pension Credit entirely, with women comprising around two-thirds of all claimants.
Carer’s Credit represents another overlooked support mechanism, helping to protect National Insurance records for those providing at least 20 hours of weekly care. The person receiving care must be claiming certain benefits, including the daily living component of PIP or Attendance Allowance.
From next month, the state pension age will begin its gradual increase from 66 to 67, a transition set to complete by April 2028. Further legislation already exists to raise the threshold again to 68 between April 2044 and April 2046.
Ms Lamb stressed the importance of preparation: “With the state pension age rising to 67 from April 2026, and later to 68, it’s vital everyone checks their pension forecast and National Insurance record.
The state pension age marks the earliest point people can claim their state pension
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PA“Rules change, and assumptions based on previous generations can leave people unprepared and facing financial hardship in retirement.”
State pension payments are due to increase by 4.8 per cent in April under the triple lock guarantee.
For those concerned about their financial situation, Ms Lamb advised: “If you’re worried about how you’ll make your budget stretch, speak to free services like Money Wellness, who can help you plan ahead and check you’re not missing out on the vital support that you’re entitled to.”
