Women missing out on state pension

Genghissian

I see I first posted about this on 11 Nov 2020 when I was unable to get through on the phone to ask about my late mother's situation.  I have since tried again many times - I think my record for holding on was over an hour only for the phone to cut out.  I've completed the online for 3 times, the latest today - there is no acknowledgement whatsoever - no email saying they have your query, just nothing.  My father died in 2014, my mother in 2016, both were in their 90s.  Has anyone managed to talk to anyone about this after such a long period?
I'll have another go at phoning tomorrow: as her executor I feel I owe it to the other beneficiaries to see this through even if there is nothing due at the end.

molerat

They are correctly prioritising those still living.

pinkladyvenus

Genghissian said:

I see I first posted about this on 11 Nov 2020 when I was unable to get through on the phone to ask about my late mother's situation.  I have since tried again many times - I think my record for holding on was over an hour only for the phone to cut out.  I've completed the online for 3 times, the latest today - there is no acknowledgement whatsoever - no email saying they have your query, just nothing.  My father died in 2014, my mother in 2016, both were in their 90s.  Has anyone managed to talk to anyone about this after such a long period?
I'll have another go at phoning tomorrow: as her executor I feel I owe it to the other beneficiaries to see this through even if there is nothing due at the end.

I am having the same problem have done the online form twice (both parents deceased) no acknowledgment or any type of response, just wonder how many other people are having the same issue.

Genghissian

I have finally managed to speak to someone!
Firstly, claims relating to women who have died are being dealt with by the DWP Bereavement Team quite seprately to claims for living people so it should not be a question of prioritising the living. The number to call is 0800 151 2012.
The information requested was my Mum's name, date of birth and NI number, all of which I had. I mentioned I had completed the online form 3 times since 2020 but heard nothing at all.  I was put on hold while the operative checked this.
My Mum's NI number has not been flagged as being potentially underpaid.  However, it could be flagged in a future scan: I was told they are prioritising cases where there was potentially significant underpayment. 
I therefore checked that they have me listed as the contact and that they hold current contact details - I had to provide my NI number.  I was told that if the number is flagged in a future exercise I would be contacted.
I'm glad to have put this issue to rest for now. 
Hope this is helpful.

Brie

@Genghissian
Thanks for coming back on this and well done for getting things (somewhat) sorted.  Very helpful to have a reason why and to know there is a relatively sensible process in place.  And a phone number !!!

sparky0138

Genghissian said:

I have finally managed to speak to someone!
Firstly, claims relating to women who have died are being dealt with by the DWP Bereavement Team quite seprately to claims for living people so it should not be a question of prioritising the living. The number to call is 0800 151 2012.

Has anyone used this number to make an enquiry recently? And if so, how did you get on please? 

I'm a bit reluctant to contact the Bereavement Team for underpaid state pension of someone who passed away years ago given that the main purpose of the team should be for helping with people who have just died. Thanks.

Marcon

sparky0138 said:

Genghissian said:

I have finally managed to speak to someone!
Firstly, claims relating to women who have died are being dealt with by the DWP Bereavement Team quite seprately to claims for living people so it should not be a question of prioritising the living. The number to call is 0800 151 2012.

Has anyone used this number to make an enquiry recently? And if so, how did you get on please? 

I'm a bit reluctant to contact the Bereavement Team for underpaid state pension of someone who passed away years ago given that the main purpose of the team should be for helping with people who have just died. Thanks.

I think you're right to feel that way, although it makes me slightly uncomfortable to make that comment. Given the massive backlog and the fact that more problems seem to be coming to light all the light, maybe simply leaving well alone in such a case is a reasonable option, especially if there is not even any certainty someone was actually underpaid.