Campaigners have battled for over a decade to get DWP compensation
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has provided an update on when it will make a decision regarding WASPI compensation. The WASPI campaign (Women Against State Pension Inequality), along with other groups, has been battling for over a decade to secure DWP compensation. They represent the cohort of women born in the 1950s who were affected by the increase in the state pension age for women from 60 to 65 and then 66.
Campaigners argue that these women were not adequately informed about this change by the DWP in advance, with many remaining oblivious until the eleventh hour, thus shattering their retirement plans. An investigation by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman concluded that the DWP should have sent letters to these women earlier, saying there was ‘maladministration’ on the part of the department.
The watchdog also suggested that the Government issue payouts ranging from £1,000 to £2,950. However, the DWP declared in December 2024 that there would be no compensation.
Ministers maintained that most of the women were aware of the alteration in their state pension age, and that notifying them earlier would have made little difference. The WASPI campaign then arranged to contest this in the High Court via a judicial review, scheduled for December 2025.
But just before the court date, the DWP announced it would retract its original decision and issue a new one, as fresh evidence had emerged that needed consideration. Soon afterwards, the DWP agreed an an out-of-court settlement with WASPI, which included a £180,000 contribution towards their legal costs.
‘Best endeavours’
The agreement also stipulated that Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Pat McFadden, would “use his best endeavours to take and communicate a new decision in response to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman’s investigation within three months of the date of this order”. With the court order dated December 3, this means the new DWP decision must be issued by March 3 at the latest.
The DWP has now confirmed it will retake the decision “within three months” of the order. The department also encouraged state pensioners with questions about their payments to get in touch with the Pension Service.
The service can be reached on 0800 731 0469 and is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm. The current state pension age for both men and women stands at 66.
This is set to rise from April 2026, increasing in stages to 67 by April 2028. Legislation is also in place for the state pension age to climb from 67 to 68 between 2044 and 2046.
A previous review of the state pension age in 2023 suggested accelerating this timetable. However, the then Conservative Government chose not to implement this suggestion. Labour announced last year that there would be another review of the state pension age.
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