Thousands of married couples over State Pension age could be missing out on payments worth up to £4,300 due to historic entitlement rules that many people are still unaware of. The issue has resurfaced following renewed attention on underpayments linked to older State Pension rules, particularly affecting couples where one partner has little or no National Insurance record.
For many pensioners, the State Pension is assumed to be fixed and automatically correct. However, recent reviews and correction exercises have shown that this is not always the case. In some situations, married couples have been underpaid for years, with arrears now being identified and repaid.
This article explains where the £4,300 figure comes from, who may be eligible, why underpayments happened, and what married couples over State Pension age should do to check whether they are affected.
Why married couples may be underpaid
Under the old State Pension system, entitlement for married couples worked differently from today’s rules. In particular, a spouse who had not built up a full National Insurance record of their own could be entitled to a pension based on their partner’s contributions.
In practice, this system relied heavily on manual claims and correct record‑keeping. Where claims were not made or records were not updated, underpayments could occur.
How the £4,300 figure is calculated
The £4,300 figure reflects typical arrears identified in cases where pensioners were underpaid for extended periods. In some cases, underpayments have stretched back several years.
The exact amount varies depending on how long the underpayment lasted and the individual pension rates at the time.
Who is most likely to be affected
Married women over State Pension age are among the most commonly affected group, particularly those who relied on their husband’s National Insurance record rather than building up their own.
However, some married men and surviving spouses may also be affected, depending on their circumstances.
The role of the old basic State Pension system
Before the introduction of the new State Pension, the basic State Pension allowed a spouse to receive a pension worth up to 60 per cent of their partner’s entitlement.
This entitlement was not always awarded automatically, especially for older claims, leading to gaps in payments.
Why many couples were never told
In many cases, pensioners were not clearly informed that they needed to make a specific claim to receive the higher married rate. Some assumed their pension would be adjusted automatically.
As a result, people continued receiving lower payments without realising they were entitled to more.
How underpayments came to light
Large‑scale reviews by the DWP uncovered widespread errors in State Pension payments, particularly involving married women, widows and the over‑80s.
These reviews have resulted in billions of pounds being repaid across tens of thousands of cases.
Are these payments automatic now
While the DWP has corrected many cases, not all eligible pensioners have been identified. Some cases still rely on individuals coming forward to have their entitlement checked.
This is why married couples are being encouraged to review their pension position.
The importance of State Pension age
The issue generally affects people who reached State Pension age before the introduction of the new State Pension. Those who retired entirely under the new system are less likely to be affected.
Checking the date State Pension age was reached is a crucial first step.
How marriage affects State Pension entitlement
Marriage can affect entitlement where one partner has a stronger National Insurance record than the other. In such cases, the lower‑earning spouse may be entitled to a higher pension based on their partner’s record.
This rule applied under the old system and still affects legacy cases today.
What about divorced or widowed pensioners
Some divorced or widowed pensioners may also be entitled to higher payments or arrears, depending on their former spouse’s National Insurance contributions.
Each case is assessed individually, making checks especially important.
Why £4,300 is a typical figure, not a guarantee
Not everyone who is eligible will receive £4,300. Some may receive less, while others may be owed significantly more.
The figure represents a common average rather than a fixed entitlement.
How to check if you might be eligible
Eligibility depends on factors such as marital status, date of reaching State Pension age, National Insurance history and whether a claim was made under the married rate.
Couples who are unsure are strongly advised to check.
What information is needed to check
Basic details such as National Insurance numbers, dates of birth and marriage details are usually required to assess entitlement.
Having pension award letters can also help.
Why many people assume their pension is correct
There is a widespread belief that the State Pension is always paid correctly by default. While this is often true, historic cases have shown that errors can persist for years.
Trust in the system has led many people not to question their payments.
How arrears are paid if underpayment is found
If an underpayment is confirmed, arrears are usually paid as a lump sum directly into the pensioner’s bank account.
Payments do not affect future State Pension entitlement.
Will arrears affect other benefits
In most cases, arrears payments do not affect ongoing benefits, but individual circumstances vary. Pensioners receiving means‑tested benefits may wish to seek advice.
The DWP typically provides guidance where necessary.
Time limits and backdating
There is no strict time limit preventing underpayments from being corrected. The DWP has paid arrears going back many years in confirmed cases.
This makes checking worthwhile even if retirement was long ago.
Why this matters during the cost‑of‑living crisis
With rising household costs, even modest increases in pension income can make a meaningful difference. For many older couples, arrears payments have provided welcome financial relief.
Ensuring the correct pension is paid is especially important during periods of financial pressure.
What the government has said
The government has acknowledged past errors and committed to correcting them. Reviews are ongoing, but officials have also encouraged pensioners to come forward if they believe they may be affected.
Transparency has improved, but gaps remain.
Common misconceptions to avoid
Not all married couples are entitled to extra money, and being married alone does not guarantee eligibility. The rules depend on age and National Insurance history.
Checking facts is essential.
Why women have been disproportionately affected
Historically, many women spent time out of paid work caring for family, resulting in incomplete National Insurance records. This made them more reliant on spousal entitlements.
Administrative failures compounded the issue.
What couples should do now
Married couples over State Pension age should review their pension details and consider requesting a check if anything seems unclear.
Taking action can prevent continued underpayment.
Support and advice available
Independent pension advice services and charities can help people understand their entitlement and guide them through the checking process.
Free guidance is available for those unsure where to start.
Why awareness is still low
Despite media coverage, many pensioners remain unaware of the issue. Some assume reviews are complete, while others feel uncomfortable contacting authorities.
Raising awareness remains important.
What happens if no underpayment is found
If no error is identified, pension payments continue as normal. There is no penalty for checking.
Peace of mind is often the main benefit.
Key points to remember
Married couples over State Pension age could be owed up to £4,300 due to historic underpayments under old pension rules. Not everyone will qualify, but many eligible pensioners have already received arrears.
Checking eligibility is the only way to be sure.
Final thoughts
The possibility that married couples over State Pension age could be owed thousands of pounds highlights the complexity of the UK pension system and the long‑lasting impact of historic rules. While many underpayments have already been corrected, others remain undiscovered.
For pensioners, the message is clear: do not assume your State Pension is automatically correct. Taking the time to check eligibility could result in a significant financial boost and ensure that you receive everything you are entitled to after a lifetime of contributions.