The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has given an update on the timeline for deciding on compensation related to the WASPI campaign. This campaign, along with other advocacy groups, has been advocating for compensation for women affected by changes in the state pension age. These women, born in the 1950s, saw their pension age increase from 60 to 65 and then to 66.
Critics argue that many women were not adequately informed about these changes in advance, disrupting their retirement plans. An investigation found that the DWP should have notified these women earlier, labeling it as ‘maladministration.’ The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman recommended compensation ranging from £1,000 to £2,950, but the DWP initially refused in December 2024.
Despite the initial denial, the DWP later reversed its decision just before a scheduled court review in December 2025. Following the emergence of new evidence, an out-of-court settlement was reached with the WASPI campaign, including a contribution of £180,000 towards legal expenses.
As part of the agreement, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Pat McFadden, committed to providing a new decision within three months of the court order, setting a deadline of March 3. The DWP has confirmed it will review the decision within the stipulated timeframe and advised pensioners with inquiries to contact the Pension Service at 0800 731 0469 during weekdays.
The current state pension age for both genders is 66, but it is scheduled to rise gradually to 67 by April 2028 and potentially further to 68 between 2044 and 2046. Although a review in 2023 suggested accelerating this process, the decision was not implemented by the Conservative Government. Labour has announced plans for another review of the state pension age.