Hampton & RoweQuick answer
| Question | Usually handled by |
|---|---|
| Applying for missing HRP | HMRC |
| Correcting the National Insurance record | HMRC |
| State Pension calculation and payment | DWP |
| State Pension information if already receiving it | DWP / Pension Service |
| State Pension forecast before State Pension age | DWP / Future Pension Centre |
HMRC: the record side
HRP sits within National Insurance history, so HRP applications and many NI record corrections are dealt with by HMRC. HMRC may update the record if it accepts that HRP or another relevant correction should be applied.
DWP: the pension side
DWP administers State Pension. Where an NI correction affects pension entitlement, DWP can then recalculate the pension and decide whether future payments and/or arrears change.
Some cases are DWP-led from the start
Not every State Pension issue begins with an NI correction. Certain marriage, bereavement, inherited-pension, deferral and linked Pension Credit questions can be primarily DWP matters.
Why people get confused
The two departments can be involved in the same overall case, but they hold different records and perform different functions. That is why an HMRC correction and a DWP payment decision may arrive at different times.