DWP WASPI £2,950 New update 9 May 2025: As the Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) campaign continues its fight for Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) compensation, a legal expert has suggested that an often-overlooked factor could bolster their case. The WASPI campaigners have lodged an application for a judicial review of the DWP’s decision not to award compensation.
This follows a recommendation from the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman that payouts ranging from £1,000 to £2,950 should be made. Both sides’ legal teams have submitted their initial documents outlining their respective positions, with the high court now set to decide whether to hear the case.
DWP WASPI £2,950 New update 9 May 2025 – What it is all about?
WASPI is a group of women who feel the government unfairly increased the state pension age without telling them in time. This sudden change affected many of their retirement plans. The government moved the retirement age from 60 to 65 and then 66, and many women say they were never clearly informed.
Because of this, the WASPI group believes they should be given compensation.
The Ombudsman’s Recommendation
The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, which investigates complaints about government services, looked into the matter. It found that the DWP did not do enough to inform the women. The Ombudsman even suggested that the women should be paid compensation between £1,000 and £2,950.
Still, the government, especially under Labour, refused to agree. They claimed that most women already knew about the pension changes, and that sending letters earlier wouldn’t have changed much.
WASPI Takes the Legal Route
Not giving up, the WASPI women have now gone to court. They’ve asked for a judicial review of the DWP’s decision not to pay any compensation. Legal documents from both sides have been submitted, and now the High Court will decide whether the case should be heard.
WASPI’s supporters have raised more than £187,000 through crowdfunding to help cover legal costs.
Legal Experts Believe WASPI Has a Strong Chance
A legal expert, John Beck, believes the WASPI group has a fair shot. He says their main legal argument is not about changing the law, but about how the law was carried out. The key point is procedural fairness.
If the court agrees that the DWP treated the 1950s-born women differently from others when informing them of pension changes, it could rule in WASPI’s favour. This would mean the process was unfair, which could force the government to think again.
Could Labour Change Its Mind?
Even though Labour has so far refused to offer compensation, Mr Beck says they might change their minds. He explained that if it helps them avoid a big court loss or bad publicity before the elections, they might offer a small, means-tested settlement.
This would be a way to give some money to those most affected without spending too much.
What’s Next?
The next step is for the High Court to decide whether the WASPI case can go forward. If it does, the hearing could result in a big win for the women, or at least bring the government back to the negotiation table.
The WASPI campaign is a sign of how ordinary citizens can stand up for their rights when treated unfairly. And while nothing is guaranteed, their fight continues, backed by legal experts and thousands of supporters.
Conclusion
The WASPI women have waited years for answers and fair treatment. With over £187,000 raised in support and new legal strategies focusing on fairness, there’s growing hope. If the court agrees that the DWP failed in its duty to inform, compensation between £1,000 and £2,950 may finally become a reality.
This case is about more than money – it’s about justice and recognising the hardships faced by women born in the 1950s. As the High Court prepares to review the case, the nation watches to see if these women will finally get the compensation they deserve.
FAQ
What is the WASPI campaign about?
The WASPI campaign stands for Women Against State Pension Inequality. It fights for justice for women born in the 1950s who say they were not properly informed about the increase in their state pension age, which disrupted their retirement plans.
Why are WASPI women demanding compensation from the DWP?
WASPI women are asking for compensation because they believe the Department for Work and Pensions failed to properly inform them about changes to the state pension age, causing financial and emotional stress.
How much compensation is being suggested?
The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman recommended payouts between £1,000 and £2,950, depending on individual circumstances.
What is a judicial review in the WASPI case?
A judicial review is a legal process where a court checks if a government decision was made fairly and legally. WASPI is using this to challenge the DWP’s decision not to offer compensation.
Could the government change its decision on compensation?
Yes, some legal experts believe the government might offer a settlement, especially if the court finds the process was unfair or if there is political pressure before elections.
