DWP £2,950 Pension for Women born in the 1950s: The Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) campaign is once again in the headlines, as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has released a fresh statement just hours before a critical deadline. This comes after WASPI campaigners took a strong legal stand, demanding justice and compensation for women born in the 1950s affected by sudden changes to their state pension age.
Who Are the WASPI Women?
WASPI stands for Women Against State Pension Inequality. These are women born in the 1950s who were hit hard when the government raised the state pension age to equal that of men — from 60 to 65, and later to 66. Many of these women say they were not properly informed about the changes and faced financial hardship as a result.
What Did the DWP Say?
In a recent official statement, the DWP said:
“We do not comment on live litigation. We accept the Ombudsman’s finding of maladministration and have apologised for there being a 28-month delay in writing to 1950s-born women.”
However, the DWP also defended itself by saying that:
- By 2006, 90% of women born in the 1950s knew about the state pension age change.
- Only one in four women remembered reading official letters about the change.
- The Government believes it cannot justify spending £10.5 billion on a compensation scheme, saying it would be unfair to taxpayers.
Why Are WASPI Women Taking Legal Action?
The WASPI campaign argues that the government’s response is unfair and legally wrong.
- The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) had found that women affected should receive compensation — with suggested amounts of up to £2,950 each.
- Despite accepting that there was maladministration in how women were notified, the Government refuses to offer compensation, claiming no real injustice was suffered.
Angela Madden, Chairwoman of WASPI, strongly disagreed with this position, saying:
“The Government has accepted that 1950s-born women are victims of maladministration, but now says none of us suffered any injustice. We believe this is not only an outrage but legally wrong.”
What Happens Next?
To push their case forward, WASPI campaigners have:
- Sent a “letter before action” to the DWP, warning that if the issue isn’t resolved, they will take the case to High Court.
- Launched a £75,000 Crowdjustice campaign to raise funds for the legal battle.
- Given the DWP 14 days to respond, a deadline that passed two weeks ago, putting even more pressure on the government.
Ms. Madden added that the “gaslighting” of WASPI women by the government will not go unchallenged, showing their determination to fight for justice.
Government’s Reason for Refusing Compensation
The main reasons the Government is refusing to pay compensation are:
- They believe most women were aware of the pension changes.
- They argue that such a large payout would unfairly burden taxpayers.
- They claim that although there was a delay in communication, it did not cause serious injustice.
The WASPI fight highlights a larger debate about fairness, government accountability, and justice for women impacted by sudden policy changes. With the DWP standing firm and WASPI women ready to take legal action, the next few weeks could see significant developments in this long-running issue. Whether the High Court will get involved now depends on how the government responds — and WASPI supporters are watching closely.
FAQ
What is the WASPI campaign about?
WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality) is a campaign fighting for justice and compensation for women born in the 1950s, who were negatively impacted by sudden changes to the state pension age. They argue that many women were not properly informed of the pension age increase, causing financial and emotional distress.
Why is the UK government refusing to compensate WASPI women?
The government admits there was maladministration in informing women about pension changes but refuses to compensate, claiming that by 2006, 90% of 1950s-born women knew about the state pension age rise. They argue that a £10.5 billion compensation scheme would be too expensive for taxpayers.
How much compensation are WASPI women asking for?
The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman has suggested that each affected woman should receive up to £2,950 in compensation. However, the UK government has rejected this recommendation, leading WASPI to consider legal action.
Is WASPI taking legal action against the UK government?
Yes, WASPI campaigners have sent a ‘letter before action’ to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) threatening High Court proceedings if the matter is not resolved. They have launched a £75,000 crowdfunding campaign to support their legal fight.
What is the current status of the WASPI legal fight?
WASPI gave the DWP a 14-day deadline to respond, which passed two weeks ago. They are now preparing to escalate the case to the High Court, as no resolution has been reached. More updates are expected soon as campaigners push forward.
Unfairly burden taxpayers, what rubbish what about the amount of taxpayers money paying for illegal people coming over the channel now that is a burden
Right Nina Richards
I am a waspi women 69 with blood xancer and cervical sponderlisis and more, I had to retire through ill health like so many, but the goverment keir starmer don’t say any thing about the billion a day it is to pay to house and feed all the ilegal imigrant that are coming daily on boats, You seriously need to listening got to stop be for the country turns on you, andtaking away our winter fuel allowance, you will never get my vote .
Totally agree never will I vote for Labour again keir stammer and his others hate the British and sooner keir has gone the better
As yourself have ill health and had to retire early but no support then or now
The boat people need to be returned we can not carry on paying to keep them in comfy hotels 3 meals aday kept warm
While we have poor older pensioners living in cold conditions becauce labour rather the illegal ones live in comfort and the homeless freezing on door steps
Yes and the Rest going into wrong hands
Yes and the Rest going into wrong hands
What they forgot to mention is that the woman paid into the pensions so were has the money gone
Basically they should get the money back
And don’t forget the person who took their pensions
Retired with millions of pounds in pension money
And millions off cash
Same old the old pals act
P/ s my wife got ripped off as well
Well, we don’t get any complaints when they are paying themselves large raises or hide the fact that they are not paying taxes on more than 1 home etc!! That’s fine isn’t it!!The Government are the worst people to trust with our money. They spend it how they like!! Pay the WASPI women what we are owed!!!!
It’s remarkable that feminists only want equality when it works in their favour. The government addressed one of the biggest inequalities of all and now WASPI women want compensation. Surely the compensation should go to the men who worked five additional years for the same (not larger) level of pension.
Yes ok I agree with that but what about the pensioners born in the 40s and before who were not told about the fact that they had to apply to the dole office to get there stamps issued while they were on maternity leave and it’s not that the government didn’t know because if you had more than one child you got child care and as with my wife who had three they soon came after her when the third one passed away
As a WASPI woman I am grateful for the fight to get compensation.
I would like to highlight that age discrimination was also a factor. Getting work at that time was difficult when we reached 60. My mortgage came to an end at 60 had to under sell our home. It was financially disastrous.
There’ll be more than enough left to compensate us Waspi women if the government stops paying. Out for illegal immigrants
I was born in 1958 & definitely wasn’t made aware of the change at the time, I worked till I was 67 so I could earn some more for our retirement, think I deserve something to compensate for not being informed.
He is a brownose he cares more about the illegal immigration and Trump he doesn’t care about pensioners that have worked all there life for nothing and suffering god help us
These lying imbeciles in the Labour government agreed with the Waspi Women in their Manifesto. They will be unreliable and untrustworthy in any open court case. Not to be trusted as proven LIARS.
Lang Mae Yer Lum Reek
I am very grateful to the waspi ladies for fighting this for so many year’s, I was never informed that I would have to work another 7years, I personally think Thier offer is an insult,to these ladies , they have spent much more on their campaign, I believe it’s all thanks to Gordon Brown , Warmongering,& money laundering, I worked out I’m owed £47,000 , & still sending money to fund Wars.
I was not informed about having to work till I was 66 ,I do not no where these letters we were meant to receive were or are .I was born in 1958 and think we are entitled to the compensation not only a apology.
Kier stammer just wants to line his own pockets. I will never vote Labour again along with his constuansies. I still have to go out to work when I could have retired but still working my fingers to the bone. Give the waspi women what they deserve.
I too, am a WASPI woman who is really angry, that the government is insulting the integrity and honesty of women, like myself! I did NOT receive any notification about the change of Pension Age! I had to give up my job (which I got myself) on the switchboard at DWP after going in to sort out my benefits! Then Gordon Brown moved it to Blackpool! On the last week of my trial; I fell on my way to work and almost to the day a year later I had a heart attack! Then to add insult to injury, the Dreaded BEDROOM TAX was introduced! Because I live in a 2 bedroom flat I had to pay it until I got my Pension at 60 years! So I thought! I had to pay the (Bedroom Tax) until I got my Pension at 66.5 years of age!! That’s a lot of money; that I don’t know if I can claim back! WE WASPI WOMEN SHOULD BE COMPENSTATED (A DECENT AMOUNT!) Not a measely amount for all the misery, worry, distress and suffering we and others, families too! Never mind making excuses for not having the funds, that doesn’t wash with me! STOP PAYING YOURSELVES EXORBITANT PAYRISES, EXPENSES, WHEN YOU DON’T NEED IT/EARNED IT! LOOK AFTER US! THE/OUR GEN: PUBLIC FIRST!! I’M WITH THE WASPI WOMEN ALL THE WAY!!
They also don’t mention that the goal posts were moved more than once when the pension age was increased repeatedly.