What Is HRP? Eligibility, Evidence, and How to Fix Missing Years

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HRP, in plain English

Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP) can protect your National Insurance (NI) record for years spent caring. If it’s missing, your State Pension forecast may be lower than it should be.

HRP NI Record State Pension Updated: 15 December 2025

1) HRP, in plain English

HRP added protection to your NI record for years spent caring for a child or a disabled/ill person. After 2010, HRP was replaced by NI credits. If HRP wasn’t recorded correctly, your pension forecast can be lower than it should be.

2) Who is most at risk of missing HRP?

• People who first claimed Child Benefit before May 2000 and whose NI number wasn’t linked properly.
• People who were main carers up to 5 April 2002 but didn’t have the right evidence captured (35 hours/week plus the cared-for person on a qualifying benefit).

3) Quick checks you can do today

• View your NI record and State Pension forecast on GOV.UK; download both as “before” copies.
• Look for not-qualifying years that overlap Child Benefit/caring. These are prime candidates for HRP to be added.
• Do not buy Class 3 top-ups until HRP is reflected and you’ve re-checked the forecast.

Important: If HRP should apply, it can change what you actually need — avoid paying Class 3 voluntarily until your record is corrected.

4) Evidence that moves decisions

Use a one-page annex and label exhibits by tax year (6 April–5 April):

A-series (Child Benefit)

Awards/renewals; bank ref to Child Benefit; HMRC Child Benefit letters.

B-series (Care context)

GP/consultant notes; care plans; school attendance (context for main carer).

C-series (Identity & address bridges)

Photo ID; marriage/deed poll; council tax/tenancy; utilities/bank. Always bridge name/address changes so the decision-maker can follow your identity history.

Annex template (fill one line per year)

Tax Year • Basis (CB/Carer) • CB Claimant • Main Carer? • Evidence Codes • Short Note

5) How to claim or transfer HRP (CF411 online or by post)

• Claim online: the quickest route for missing HRP and partner transfers where Child Benefit was in the other partner’s name.
• Claim by post: print and complete the postal CF411; enclose annex + exhibits, and send tracked.
• Tip: prepare your bundle first so the online form is quick to complete.

Want it done properly, first time?

Get Evanshaw to build a clean one-page annex and evidence labels that decision-makers can follow.

Get Evanshaw to build your annex

6) Timelines, decisions and arrears

Once HRP is added, your NI record updates and your pension is recalculated. If you were underpaid, arrears can be issued. Keep a dated contact log and save “before/after” NI and forecast PDFs.

Practical tip: Save PDFs with filenames like NI-before-YYYYMMDD.pdf and Forecast-after-YYYYMMDD.pdf.

7) If you get stuck: the escalation ladder

Mandatory Reconsideration → Complaint → Independent Case Examiner (ICE) → Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) via your MP. Each step should include a short cover note, the annex, and clean exhibits.

Related guides on Evanshaw

Cornerstone Q+A (complete guide) A complete HRP overview with common pitfalls and fixes. How to claim HRP online vs post Step-by-step guide to the CF411 routes. Evidence Bridges 101 How to bridge name/address changes cleanly. Partner transfer: when Child Benefit was in the other name When transfers apply and how to avoid delays.

Ready to check your HRP years?

Start the HRP check and we’ll guide you through the right evidence route.

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Disclaimer: This article is general information and not personal financial advice. If you’re unsure, get tailored help.

On this page

1) HRP, in plain English 2) Who is most at risk? 3) Quick checks today 4) Evidence that moves decisions 5) Claim/transfer (CF411) 6) Timelines & arrears 7) Escalation ladder Related guides