The WASPI group is fighting for compensation for women affected by changes in the pension age. The latest updates suggest these women might receive their compensation soon, but the details are still unclear.
Recent political events in the UK, including the announcement of a general election by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, have caused some delays and added uncertainty to the WASPI compensation process. This is due to the increase in the state pension age from 60 to 66.
The UK’s Department for Work and Pensions has shared that in 2024, eligible women aged 60 to 66 could receive a WASPI compensation ranging from £1,000 to £2,950. More details about the compensation package, expected date, and eligibility will be available soon.
WASPI Compensation Latest News Report:
The WASPI program has been pushing for fair compensation for years due to the government’s mishandling of pension age changes. The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) acknowledged this issue and proposed a compensation plan in March.
The House of Commons wanted to implement this plan by July 2024 to help those affected. But, the upcoming general election and the dissolution of Parliament could delay this process.
The PHSO found that the Department for Work and Pensions didn’t properly inform women about the pension changes. The House then asked the government to financially assist the WASPI women by July 2024. However, this plan requires funds, time, and government support.
The House expressed that this issue has been ongoing for too long and it’s time for a resolution. Now, the WASPI women must wait until summer to learn about the government’s compensation plan details.
WASPI Compensation Overview 2024:
| Organization | Department for Work and Pensions |
| Name of Campaign | DWP WASPI Campaign |
| WASPI | Women Against State Pension Inequality |
| Country | UK |
| Compensation Amount | £1,000 – £2,950 |
| Age Criteria | 60 to 66 Years |
| Official Website | https://www.waspi.co.uk/ |
Impact of Upcoming UK Elections:
The upcoming UK election could be key in deciding the compensation for WASPI women affected by pension age changes. WASPI groups are urging political parties to focus on this issue, promising quick action if they win.
The SNP supports the recommendations of the PHSO report, and the Liberal Democrats are committed to ensuring the proposed compensation for WASPI women. This election gives the next government a chance to address these women’s financial concerns and highlights the power of their votes in shaping political promises.
State Pension Age WASPI:
In 2010, the UK government raised the pension age to 65 for everyone, impacting women born in the 1950s and 1960s who suddenly couldn’t get their pensions.
The WASPI group, started in 2015, advocates for these women. They argue that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) didn’t properly inform people about the pension age change, disrupting their financial plans.
In 2021, the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) suggested these women should be compensated. But the DWP disagreed, leading the PHSO to involve Parliament.
In March 2024, the PHSO revisited the issue and recommended that women should receive an apology and payments between £1000 and £2950.
Eligibility Criteria for WASPI Compensation:
The UK Government decides who is eligible for WASPI compensation, which includes women born between April 6, 1950, and April 5, 1960. These women were affected by the increase in the State Pension age from 60 to 65, and then to 66. The WASPI campaign argues that the government didn’t communicate these changes well, leaving these women with little time to change their retirement plans.
About 3.8 million women are affected by these changes, causing many to face financial issues. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) hasn’t made a final decision on WASPI Compensation yet and is currently reviewing recommendations from the Police and Fire Service Ombudsman (PHSO).
WASPI Compensation Amount:
The WASPI campaign says that women affected by pension age changes could get more compensation. They propose raising the amount from £1,000 to £2,950 per woman. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) hasn’t decided on a specific compensation amount for 2024 yet.
Benefits under £1,000 would align with previous agreements, according to the DWP. This proposal is based on research showing that women born in the 1950s weren’t adequately informed about pension changes. The DWP hasn’t made a final decision or confirmed if it will agree to the proposed amounts.
DWP WASPI Campaign Overview:
The recent report from the PHSO suggested giving Level 6 compensation, between £3,000 and £9,950 per person, to the women affected by the DWP’s issues. This is meant to ease their financial and emotional stress. SNP MP Alan Brown planned to introduce a bill about this in July, but the UK general election and the closing of Parliament have caused continuous delays.