Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what the Government's timeframe is for back-dating payments to women who were not awarded automatic national insurance contributions top-ups by her Department.

Any women who believe they are being underpaid State Pension should contact the Department. Details on how to do this through the Pension Service are available on the gov.uk website.

The Department is aware of a number of cases where individuals have been underpaid State Pension. We are checking for further cases and any that are found will be looked at in line with the relevant legislation.

Those who are already getting a State Pension based on their own National Insurance contributions must make a separate claim for the top up if their husband reached State Pension age before 17 March 2008. The top up payments can be backdated for a maximum of 12 months before the date the claim is made. If the husband reached State Pension age on or after 17 March 2008, a separate claim for the top up is not needed and it can be paid from the date of entitlement.