WASPI — Women Against State Pension Inequality — represents women born in the 1950s affected by the government’s decision to equalise the state pension age between men and women. The campaign’s core argument is not that the change was wrong, but that the government failed to communicate it adequately, leaving millions of women without time to plan.
What Changed and When
Under the Pensions Acts of 1995 and 2011, the state pension age for women rose from 60 to 65 and subsequently to 66. Women born between 6 April 1950 and 5 April 1960 were affected. Many had planned their retirement around receiving their state pension at 60 and found themselves waiting up to 6 additional years.
How Many Women Are Affected?
Approximately 3.6 million women born in the 1950s were affected by the accelerated increase in state pension age.
Parliamentary Ombudsman Findings
In March 2024, the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) found that the DWP had committed maladministration in how it communicated the pension age changes, causing injustice to affected women. The Ombudsman recommended compensation at Level 4 of its scale — equivalent to £1,000–£2,950 per person.
Government Response (2026)
The government rejected the Ombudsman’s recommended compensation scheme, stating the scale of payout was not a good use of public funds. WASPI campaigners and parliamentary supporters continue to push for a resolution, and legal challenges to this decision have been pursued.
What Should Affected Women Do?
- Check your state pension entitlement via the Check Your State Pension forecast tool at gov.uk
- Review your National Insurance record — voluntary NI contributions can fill gaps
- Get a retirement income review — an IFA can model all income sources including any delayed state pension
- Stay informed via the WASPI campaign website and parliamentary updates
Get Pension Planning Help
Find a pension specialist in the Kaeltripton Financial Directory →
This article is for general information. The WASPI situation continues to develop. Check official government and PHSO sources for the latest position.
