Probe into 'sexist and archaic' pension rule gives thousands hope

TENS of thousands of women who missed out on better state pensions because of a "sexist and archaic" system have received a boost in their battle for justice.

- Katie Harris

The Parliamentary Ombudsman is launching an investigation into seven lead cases, which could pave the way for hundreds of millions of pounds of arrears being paid out if successful.

Many older married women entitled to bigger pensions based on their husbands' contributions have missed out on thousands of pounds each.

Before a rule change in 2008, a married woman could claim a state pension at age 60 based on her own national insurance contributions.

Milestone

If she had gaps in her NI record for example due to raising a familythe pension could be very low.