Why don't HMRC and DWP talk to each other?

System

This discussion was created from comments split from: NI Top Up Deadline Extended To 5th April 2025.

willow33

Martin, following your advice I've paid 2 years missing NI.  All good.  BUT....firstly, why is it that HMRC and the DWP don't seem to talk to each other.  Secondly DWP couldn't find a copy of a letter they'd sent me!  Lastly and more importantly to me, WHY can't I log into 'my account' on DWP site and just SEE what my current pension payments are TOGETHER with access to all the letters they've sent to me!   I read somewhere that when talking to HMRC they could transfer you to DWP.  They can't!  I'm hoping all will be well, but this whole system is a nightmare and NOTHING is joined UP (well it's the UK Government so what can we expect!!!!!  ;-)   HELP!!!!!!!!!!  

molerat

Is there a question in there somewhere ?

.firstly, why is it that HMRC and the DWP don't seem to talk to each other.

Talk about what ?  HMRC collect taxes, DWP pay benefits and pull data from HMRC where required.  If you pay a NI top up post retirement HMRC will inform DWP.  Seems to work reasonably well.

Secondly DWP couldn't find a copy of a letter they'd sent me!

Pretty typical of their archaic systems

WHY can't I log into 'my account' on DWP site and just SEE what my current pension payments are TOGETHER with access to all the letters they've sent to me!

Because no such system exists and there is likely very little call for it.  Are you going to pay the likely £Ms that it would cost for limited benefit ?

 I read somewhere that when talking to HMRC they could transfer you to DWP.

Never heard of it working that way.  There have been reports of DWP putting you through to HMRC to make a payment once they have given you the necessary information.

badmemory

I believe the pension service can put you through to HMRC (for the code).  I dealt with & paid for my sons NI payments in one passed around conversation.  But that was back in Feb before the proverbial hit the fan.