The Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) campaign has long fought for justice for women born in the 1950s who were affected by sudden increases to the State Pension age. Many of these women were given little or no notice, leaving them financially unprepared for the delay to their retirement.
The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) previously recommended compensation of up to £3,150 for the worst-affected. While the proposal has given hope to many, the UK government has so far refused to approve any payments, sparking widespread criticism and renewed calls for action.
What Is WASPI?
WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality) is a grassroots campaign group formed to challenge the UK government’s handling of changes to the State Pension age. Many women born between April 6, 1950, and April 5, 1960 were planning to retire at 60, only to discover that the State Pension age had risen to match men’s—up to 66—without sufficient personal notification.
This lack of clear communication left thousands facing unexpected financial hardship.
Why the Change Happened
The government increased the State Pension age for women to achieve gender equality, aligning it with men’s pension age. While the goal was equality, the rollout was criticised for its poor communication and lack of transitional support.
Many affected women had already left work, were unable to return due to health or age, and faced years without expected income.
PHSO’s Recommendations
The PHSO found that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) had committed “maladministration” by failing to inform women adequately.
It recommended tiered financial redress ranging from £1,000 to £2,950, with some cases potentially reaching £3,150. The amount would depend on the level of hardship caused by the lack of notice.
Government’s Response
In December 2024, the government announced that no WASPI compensation would be paid. It argued that most women had sufficient notice or time to adjust and that calculating individual payouts would be too complex and costly.
This decision has been strongly opposed by campaign groups, MPs, and the public, who argue it undermines accountability after an official body found the DWP at fault.
Who Would Have Qualified?
If approved, likely eligibility would have included:
- Women born between April 6, 1950, and April 5, 1960
- Those who received little or no direct notification of pension age changes
- Individuals who suffered measurable financial or personal hardship as a result
- Women forced to delay retirement, seek work, or live in poverty due to the changes
What You Can Do Now
While no official payments are scheduled, affected women can:
- Contact their MP to share their personal story and push for parliamentary action
- Join campaign groups such as WASPI Campaign 2018 and BackTo60 for updates and community support
- Stay informed via official PHSO announcements and trusted news outlets
- Seek financial advice from Citizens Advice, MoneyHelper, or Age UK
- Check for other benefits like Pension Credit, Universal Credit, or Housing Benefit
The fight for WASPI compensation continues, and future political or legal developments could change the situation.
FAQs
What is the maximum proposed WASPI compensation?
Up to £3,150 for the most affected women, according to PHSO recommendations.
Has the government approved WASPI compensation?
No, the UK government rejected the proposal in December 2024.
Who would have been eligible?
Women born between April 6, 1950, and April 5, 1960, who received little or no notice of pension age changes and suffered hardship.
What can WASPI women do now?
Contact MPs, join campaign groups, follow legal developments, and check eligibility for other benefits.
Will compensation ever be paid?
There is no confirmed scheme, but campaign pressure and legal action could lead to future changes.
