The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has officially announced a £562 State Pension payment for eligible State Pensioners born before 1961, providing long-awaited financial correction for thousands of older people across the UK. This payment forms part of a wider government-led review aimed at identifying and correcting historic State Pension underpayments that occurred under older calculation systems. The DWP has clarified that this payment is not a new benefit or bonus but a corrective amount to ensure pensioners receive what they were legally owed under previous rules.
Why the DWP Is Paying £562 to Older Pensioners
The £562 payment has been introduced after detailed reviews revealed that many older pensioners had been systematically underpaid due to administrative errors. These errors were often linked to Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP), missing National Insurance credits, or outdated pension assessment processes used decades ago. The DWP acknowledged that pensioners born before 1961 were disproportionately affected, particularly married women and carers, prompting this targeted corrective payment.
Who Is Eligible for the £562 State Pension Payment
Eligibility for the £562 DWP State Pension payment depends on individual pension history rather than age alone. The payment mainly applies to State Pensioners born before 1961 whose pension records were reviewed and found to be incorrect. Those most likely to qualify include people who took career breaks to raise children, relied on a spouse’s National Insurance contributions, or reached State Pension age before modern digital record systems were introduced.
Is the £562 Payment Automatic
The DWP has confirmed that eligible pensioners will receive the £562 payment automatically, without the need to submit a new claim or application. Once pension records are corrected, the payment is credited directly into the pensioner’s registered bank account. However, the DWP advises pensioners who believe they were underpaid but have not heard anything to contact the Pension Service for reassurance and record verification.
When Will the £562 Payment Be Paid
There is no single nationwide payment date for the £562 State Pension payment, as payments are being processed on a case-by-case basis. The DWP has stated that once a pension record review is completed, payment is issued shortly after. Some pensioners have already received their money, while others may receive it over the coming weeks or months, depending on review timelines.
Is the £562 Payment a One-Off or Ongoing Increase
It is important for pensioners to understand that the £562 payment is a one-off backdated amount, not a permanent increase to weekly State Pension payments. However, in many cases, once the underpayment is corrected, pensioners may also receive a higher ongoing State Pension in the future. This ensures that errors do not continue to affect future income.
How This Payment Helps Older State Pensioners
For many older State Pensioners, especially those living on fixed incomes, the £562 payment provides meaningful financial relief during a period of rising living costs. Energy bills, food prices, and healthcare expenses have increased sharply in recent years, making even small pension corrections significant. The DWP has recognised that correcting historic underpayments is essential to maintaining fairness and trust in the pension system.
What Pensioners Born Before 1961 Should Do Now
Pensioners born before 1961 are encouraged to check their State Pension statements carefully and ensure that their National Insurance records are complete and accurate. Keeping contact details and bank information up to date with the DWP is also important. Those unsure about their entitlement can contact the DWP Pension Service, which can confirm whether a review has taken place or is still pending.
What the DWP Has Officially Said
The DWP has officially stated that these payments are part of a long-term programme designed to correct past mistakes and prevent similar issues in the future. Officials have reassured pensioners that no one will lose out because of historical administrative errors and that the review process is continuing until all affected cases are resolved fairly and transparently.
Final Verdict
The DWP announcement of a £562 payment for State Pensioners born before 1961 is a significant and positive step toward correcting long-standing pension underpayments. While the payment itself is one-off, it highlights the government’s responsibility to ensure pensioners receive their full entitlement. Older pensioners are advised to stay informed, review their records, and remain confident that corrections are being made.