Evanshaw HRP Claims – Customer FAQ

Plain-English answers for customers considering an HRP (Home Responsibilities Protection) claim with Evanshaw Ltd.

1) What is Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP)?

HRP was a government scheme (6 April 1978 to 5 April 2010) that protected State Pension entitlement for parents and carers by reducing the number of National Insurance (NI) qualifying years needed. In 2010, HRP was replaced by NI credits.

2) Who might be eligible?

You may be eligible if, between 1978 and 2010, you:

• Claimed (or should have claimed) Child Benefit for a child under 16, but the claim was recorded in your partner’s name; or
• Spent significant time caring for someone with a long-term illness or disability (especially between 1978 and 2002).

Evanshaw checks your NI record and the relevant years to confirm.

3) I claimed Child Benefit but it was in my partner’s name. Can HRP be transferred to me?

Yes. If your partner’s name was on the Child Benefit claim for the relevant years, HRP may be transferred to your record. Evanshaw assesses and handles transfers as part of your claim.

4) Do I still need to apply now that HRP ended in 2010?

Possibly. HRP ended in 2010, but HRP years before that may still be missing. If your record has gaps, you can apply (or transfer from a partner). Evanshaw reviews your record and advises.

5) How do I start a claim with Evanshaw?

Start online via our secure form. You’ll answer eligibility questions and digitally sign authority forms (including HMRC form 648 and our Letter of Authority) so we can liaise with HMRC/DWP on your behalf.

6) What documents will I need?

• Photo ID (passport or UK driving licence)
• Proof of address (recent utility bill or bank statement)
• Any Child Benefit or carer evidence (helpful but not essential)

If you don’t have documents, Evanshaw helps source alternatives.

7) How long does an HRP claim take?

Most claims complete in 6–9 months. Straightforward cases: closer to 6 months. Appeals: up to 9 months or longer. Timelines depend on HMRC/DWP processing and how quickly information is provided.

8) What happens after I sign up?

• Eligibility & evidence check
• Submission to HMRC for HRP and/or transfer
• NI record updated by HMRC if approved
• DWP recalculates State Pension and processes any arrears

Evanshaw keeps you updated and chases HMRC/DWP as needed.

9) How much does Evanshaw charge?

No Win, No Fee. Success fee: 36% of any money recovered (VAT included). No minimum fee. If your claim is unsuccessful, you pay nothing.

10) How are fees paid?

HMRC/DWP usually pay refunds to Evanshaw as your appointed agent. Evanshaw deducts the success fee and transfers the balance to your bank, with a full breakdown.

11) Can I apply to HMRC directly instead of using Evanshaw?

Yes. You can apply directly online or by post. Many customers choose Evanshaw to manage eligibility checks, paperwork, evidence gathering, submissions, and appeals if needed.

12) Will claiming affect my current State Pension payments?

An HRP claim corrects your NI record. If successful, it may increase weekly State Pension and/or produce arrears. DWP recalculates payments after HMRC updates your record.

13) How far back can backdated payments go?

DWP calculates backdated payments based on when entitlement arose. Outcomes vary by case and years corrected. Evanshaw explains results when DWP issues decisions.

14) What if my claim is unsuccessful?

You pay nothing. Evanshaw advises on next steps and whether an appeal makes sense. If new evidence arises later, the claim can be revisited.

15) I’m widowed or divorced—can I still benefit?

Potentially. If HRP is missing from your record (or transferable from a partner’s record), a correction may improve entitlement or produce arrears. Evanshaw reviews partner-related years and advises.

16) Do I need my original Child Benefit forms?

No. HMRC keeps historical records. Original paperwork helps but isn’t essential. Evanshaw assists in gathering information HMRC requires.

17) I already requested a pension forecast—can I still claim?

Yes. A pension forecast helps identify missing years. Evanshaw still reviews HRP eligibility and submits claims if appropriate.

18) What if I already get the full State Pension?

If you’re at the maximum weekly rate, a correction may not raise payments — but you could still be owed arrears for past years. Evanshaw confirms after HMRC/DWP assess your record.

19) Are you authorised to act for me?

Yes. By signing forms, you appoint Evanshaw Ltd as your HMRC agent (using form 648). A Letter of Authority also allows HMRC/DWP to speak with Evanshaw about your claim.

20) How do I track progress?

Evanshaw provides regular updates by email/SMS. You can contact info@evanshaw.co.uk anytime. Typical claims: 6–9 months; appeals: longer depending on HMRC/DWP.