The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has updated on the timeline for deciding on compensation related to the WASPI campaign (Women Against State Pension Inequality) and other affected groups. These women, born in the 1950s, faced changes in the state pension age from 60 to 65 and then 66.
Critics argue that the affected women were not adequately informed about the pension age adjustments in advance, impacting their retirement plans significantly. The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman found fault with the DWP for not sending timely notifications to these women.
Although the watchdog recommended compensation payouts ranging from £1,000 to £2,950, the DWP initially denied any compensation in December 2024. The DWP defended its stance, stating that most women were aware of the pension age changes and earlier notifications would not have made a substantial difference.
Following a legal challenge by the WASPI campaign, a High Court judicial review was scheduled for December 2025. However, just before the court date, the DWP reversed its decision due to new evidence. Subsequently, the DWP reached an out-of-court settlement with WASPI, including a contribution of £180,000 towards legal costs.
An agreement was made for the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to issue a new decision in response to the Ombudsman’s investigation within three months. This mandates the DWP to finalize the new decision by March 3 based on the court order dated December 3.
The DWP has confirmed its commitment to reevaluating the decision within the specified timeline and advised concerned pensioners to contact the Pension Service at 0800 731 0469 for assistance. The current state pension age for both genders is 66, expected to increase gradually to 67 by April 2028 and further to 68 between 2044 and 2046.
While there were discussions to expedite the pension age increase in 2023, the proposal was not implemented by the Conservative Government. Labour has announced plans for another review of the state pension age.