So are YOU entitled to a payout? As a damning report says more than 100,000 pensioners were let down by the Government, how to find out if you have been short-changed

• MPs warned retirees are still at risk of being denied the money they deserve 
• Scandal affected women whose pensions should’ve been upgraded by the DWP
• Wives entitled to 60% rate from day their husband reached state pension age 

The scandal mostly affected women who should have had their pensions upgraded by the DWP without having to ask.

Those affected reached state pension age before April 2016. They include wives entitled to a pension worth 60 per cent of their husband’s basic rate, and also divorcees and widows who could claim as much as 100 per cent.

Others who missed out include pensioners who should have been paid the minimum 60 per cent of the basic state pension after they turned 80. 

The basic rate state pension pays £137.60 a week, so someone on a 60 per cent rate should receive around £82.45.

Wives are entitled to the 60 per cent rate from the day their husband reached state pension age.

Ignored: Many wives may have missed out because the vital forms were sent to their husbands when it was time to claim (file image)

But a rule change in March 2008 required the Department for Work and Pensions to pay the increased pension automatically.

Those wives who reached state pension age before then had to claim the extra income themselves. 

Those who were unaware can upgrade their pensions, but cannot claim all of the money they missed out on.

The DWP says those whose husband became entitled to their pension on or after March 17, 2008, do not need to take any action and will be contacted. 

To find out if you’ve been short-changed, go to lcp.uk.com/is-your-state-pension-being-underpaid.

If you believe you are missing out, you can call the Pension Service on 0800 731 0469 or write to: The Pension Service, Post Handling Site A, Wolverhampton, WV98 1AF.

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