Recent social media posts and viral headlines have sparked excitement among many UK women with claims of a “DWP extra financial boost” for mothers who had children between 1980 and 2010. However, investigations reveal that no such scheme currently exists under the UK government’s Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
While there are no financial programs specifically for women who gave birth during that time frame, there is a related and ongoing national conversation around compensation for women affected by historic changes to the State Pension age often incorrectly linked to mothers or specific birth year
Where Did the Rumour Come From?
Online sources and viral videos have recently circulated claiming that women who gave birth between 1980 and 2010 are eligible for a backdated payment from the DWP. However, there is no official announcement, policy, or plan from the UK government or the DWP supporting these claims.
The Department for Work and Pensions, which administers welfare and pensions in the UK, has not issued any scheme under this title or with these eligibility conditions.
The misinformation may be loosely connected to the well-publicised WASPI campaign, which involves a very different issue.
The Real Story: WASPI Women and State Pension Inequality
The Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) campaign has long fought for justice for women born in the 1950s who were adversely affected by changes to the State Pension age.
Under the 1995 Pensions Act, the State Pension age for women was gradually increased from 60 to 65 to equalise it with men. However, many women say they received insufficient or delayed notice of these changes, leaving them unprepared for later retirement.
The issue was investigated by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO), which concluded that the DWP committed maladministration in its communication about the changes.
Key Timeline:
- 1995: Pensions Act passed to increase women’s retirement age from 60 to 65
- 2011: Acceleration of the timetable under the Coalition Government
- 2021–2024: Ombudsman investigates and confirms maladministration
- 2024: PHSO recommends financial compensation
According to the Ombudsman’s final report, women affected could be entitled to compensation ranging from £1,000 to £2,950, depending on individual circumstances. You can view the full report on the PHSO official website.
However, in December 2024, the UK Government announced that it would not offer compensation, stating that most women had “adequate time to prepare” for the changes.
Who Is Actually Eligible for Any Compensation?
If you’re wondering whether you might be eligible for any financial support, here’s the accurate breakdown:
You may be eligible for compensation or a review if:
- You were born between April 6, 1950, and April 5, 1960
- You were affected by the change in the State Pension age
- You did not receive adequate notification of the changes
You are not eligible for any current DWP-linked compensation simply for having given birth between 1980 and 2010. That claim is false.
Beware of Online Scams and Misinformation
The rise of viral misinformation has led to many women entering personal information on unverified websites in hopes of receiving financial windfalls. The DWP has issued warnings about such scams, urging people to check only official government sources and avoid third-party sites claiming to offer DWP payments or grants.
For accurate and up-to-date information, use:
What You Can Do If You’re Affected
If you believe you are among the WASPI-affected women and were not adequately informed of your pension age change, you can:
- Contact your local MP to support ongoing campaigns
- Submit a complaint via the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman
- Join or follow updates from the WASPI campaign website
Final Thoughts
While there is no new or existing DWP financial scheme for women who gave birth between 1980 and 2010, there remains a legitimate movement pushing for justice for women born in the 1950s due to State Pension reforms. Understanding the distinction is key to avoiding disappointment and misinformation.
To stay informed and secure, always rely on verified sources, and consult your financial adviser or local Citizens Advice Bureau if in doubt.
(FAQ,s)
Is there a new DWP scheme giving money to women who had babies between 1980 and 2010?
No. There is currently no official DWP scheme offering financial payments based solely on childbirth during those years. The claim circulating online is false.
What is the WASPI campaign?
A: WASPI stands for Women Against State Pension Inequality. It represents women born between April 1950 and April 1960 who were negatively impacted by changes to the State Pension age and not properly informed about it.
Is the WASPI issue related to women who had children in the 1980s or 1990s?
Not directly. The WASPI campaign is about birth years, not parenting status. It involves pension changes that affected women approaching retirement, regardless of whether they had children.
Who might be eligible for compensation?
According to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO), women who:
- Were born between 1950 and 1960
- Were affected by changes to the State Pension age
- Did not receive adequate notice
How much compensation was recommended?
The PHSO recommended payments ranging from £1,000 to £2,950, depending on individual circumstances. These are not guaranteed, and the UK government has so far rejected the proposal.
Pankaj Kumar is a journalist at Chandigarh X, covering admit cards, recruitment, and government schemes. His articles provide readers with detailed insights into application processes, eligibility, and exam updates.
Outside of work, Pankaj enjoys traveling, fitness, and cricket, often participating in local matches on weekends.