Hampton & RoweQuestions are easier when the answers are in one place.
These answers are written to explain the process in plain English. The exact legal and pension position always depends on individual circumstances.
What is Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP)?
HRP was a government scheme used from 6 April 1978 to 5 April 2010 to help protect the State Pension position of certain parents and carers. National Insurance credits replaced HRP from 2010.
Who might have missing HRP?
People who were awarded Child Benefit for a child under 16, shared care where a partner received Child Benefit, or cared for a sick or disabled person may be relevant depending on the dates and detailed rules. HMRC also identifies a particular historic risk where some Child Benefit claims were not linked to a National Insurance number.
Do I still need to look at HRP now that it ended in 2010?
Possibly. HRP ended in 2010, but historical years can still affect a National Insurance record and State Pension. Whether a correction changes your pension depends on your wider record and the rules that apply.
How do I start?
Use Check Now to open the onboarding form. You provide key information, review the contractual and authority documents used during onboarding, and the case is reviewed after submission.
What documents will I need?
Many people do not need to upload historic paperwork at the very start. Depending on the case, you may later be asked for identity/address evidence, pension or DWP letters, Child Benefit/caring information or other relevant records. If you do not have documents, ask us about alternatives.
How long does a case take?
Many straightforward HRP-related cases currently take around 6–9 months once the information and evidence needed are available. More complex matters may take 9–12 months or longer. HMRC/DWP processing is outside our control.
What happens after I sign up?
We review eligibility and evidence, progress the appropriate HMRC/DWP route under the authority you have given us, keep you updated, and explain the decision when it arrives.
How much do you charge?
The success fee is 30% of relevant net arrears actually received plus VAT at 20% on the fee, making a total of 36%. There are no upfront or admin charges for the success-fee service, and no fee on ongoing State Pension or ongoing Pension Credit payments.
How are fees paid?
Relevant DWP arrears are paid directly to you. Once the amount and any set-off can be confirmed, We issue an invoice. Payment is due within 14 days of the invoice date.
Can I go directly to government instead?
Yes. You can contact HMRC or DWP directly and use the relevant government process yourself for free.
Will a claim affect my current State Pension?
A successful correction may change future payments and/or lead to arrears. A correction can also result in no financial change. DWP determines the final pension position.
How far back can arrears go?
That depends on the type of entitlement, the relevant dates and the department’s decision. There is no single backdating rule that applies to every State Pension issue.
What if the claim is unsuccessful?
If no relevant arrears are paid, no success fee is payable. Depending on the decision and evidence, there may sometimes be a review, reconsideration or other next step.
I am widowed or divorced. Could that matter?
Potentially. Depending on the dates and pension rules, bereavement, inherited pension, marriage-based entitlement, divorce or a partner’s National Insurance/caring record can be relevant.
Do I need my original Child Benefit forms?
Not necessarily. Original records can help, but they are often no longer available. Government records and other evidence may be relevant. We can explain what is needed for the specific route.
I already have a pension forecast. Can that still help?
Yes. A forecast, award letter or pension statement can be useful when comparing the pension position with the National Insurance record and identifying areas that may need checking.
What if I already receive the full State Pension?
A correction may not increase an ongoing pension if you are already at the applicable maximum, but that does not by itself answer every historical arrears question. The department must assess the actual case.
Are you authorised to act for me?
We act only under the authority documents you sign. Relevant HMRC matters can include Form 64-8 and related authority or consent documents; DWP matters may require a Letter of Authority.
Can a family member help?
Yes. A family member can help gather information, read correspondence and support the person through the process. Formal authority is still required before we can act for the customer or discuss protected information with another person.
How do I track progress?
We provide updates using the contact details supplied during onboarding. You can also contact the team at info@hamptonrowe.co.uk.