SNP’s Pledge to WASPI Women Unveiled: The Scottish National Party (SNP) has launched a bold initiative that could see millions of women receive £10,000 in compensation, stirring renewed national debate on pension injustice and long-standing gender-based financial inequalities. This proposal is aimed specifically at women affected by sudden and poorly communicated changes to the state pension age, offering long-awaited recognition to a group that has felt ignored for decades. At the heart of the movement is the WASPI campaign (Women Against State Pension Inequality)—a grassroots initiative that has consistently demanded accountability and justice.
The SNP’s bill follows the recent findings by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO), which determined that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) committed maladministration by failing to properly notify women born between 6 April 1950 and 5 April 1960 about critical changes to their retirement eligibility. This failure in communication has left many facing unexpected financial strain, worsened mental health, and, in severe cases, poverty and homelessness.
SNP’s Pledge to WASPI Women Unveiled
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Proposal | £10,000 compensation per affected WASPI woman |
| Eligibility | Women born between 6 April 1950 and 5 April 1960 |
| Supporting Body | Scottish National Party (SNP) |
| Key Campaign Group | WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality) |
| Oversight | Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) |
| Key Finding | DWP guilty of maladministration in informing affected women |
| Status | SNP bill under Parliamentary review (2nd reading scheduled) |
| Official Source | WASPI Campaign Website |
The SNP’s £10,000 compensation proposal for WASPI women marks a turning point in the ongoing fight for pension justice. Although still under review, the bill represents hope and potential healing for those who feel betrayed by the very systems meant to support them.
Whether you’re an affected woman, a supportive family member, or an advocate for social fairness, now is the time to engage, prepare, and push for a resolution. This is not just about money—it’s about acknowledging a generation of women who were misled, overlooked, and left behind.
A Deep Dive Into the WASPI Movement
The WASPI campaign, established in 2015, has been a vital voice for millions of British women born in the 1950s. The movement emerged in response to the 1995 and 2011 Pension Acts, which raised the state pension age for women from 60 to 65, and later aligned it with men’s retirement age. While the goal was to create equality, the execution lacked fairness.
The critical issue? Affected women were not given adequate notice, leaving them unable to financially plan for the additional years without state support. Many had already retired or made life decisions based on a retirement age of 60. By the time they learned about the changes—often just months or a couple of years before turning 60—they had few options left to mitigate the financial blow.
Thousands of women have shared heartbreaking stories of having to return to physically demanding jobs, depleting savings, or becoming reliant on family support or benefits. For many, it was not simply a policy change—it was a life-altering setback.
What the Ombudsman Found: A Case of Maladministration
In 2024, the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman issued a formal finding that the DWP had failed in its statutory obligation to properly communicate the pension age changes. This was declared an act of maladministration, which is a serious breach of duty in public service.
While the PHSO did not explicitly recommend compensation, it called on Parliament to establish a fair resolution, opening the door for legislative efforts such as the SNP’s bill. The ruling acknowledged that millions of women were unfairly impacted, validating the claims and long-standing advocacy of the WASPI campaign.
The maladministration ruling emphasized:
- Lack of timely communication
- Failure to provide individual notice
- Inadequate public awareness campaigns
SNP’s £10,000 Compensation Plan: A Legislative Overview
The Proposal
The SNP’s proposed legislation aims to allocate a one-time payment of £10,000 to each eligible woman affected by the pension age changes. The goal is not to reverse the age increase but to offer financial redress for the poor handling of communication.
Why £10,000?
The figure reflects an average estimate of lost income, mental health costs, and emotional distress suffered due to the late notification. Some critics believe this amount is insufficient, but for many campaigners, it would serve as formal recognition of government wrongdoing.
Political Reactions
While the SNP leads the charge, cross-party support is growing. Several Labour MPs have broken rank to endorse the proposal, while Conservative leaders remain hesitant, citing fiscal responsibility. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall have acknowledged the PHSO’s findings but remain cautious about endorsing a flat-rate compensation model.
Opponents argue that the proposal could lead to significant taxpayer expense, potentially requiring careful scrutiny and means testing. Supporters, however, highlight that justice delayed should not be justice denied.
Who Is Eligible and How to Prepare
To qualify for the potential compensation, women must:
- Have been born between 6 April 1950 and 5 April 1960
- Be able to show they were unaware or inadequately informed about the pension age change
- Demonstrate the financial, emotional, or professional impact of this miscommunication
What You’ll Likely Need:
- Birth certificate or passport
- National Insurance number
- Work history or employer letters
- Pension contribution records
- Evidence of hardship (letters, income statements, personal testimonies)
While an official application system isn’t yet in place, the WASPI campaign urges women to begin gathering documents now. Legal advisors and pension rights groups are expected to offer free support services if the bill advances.
Potential Implications for Policy and Society
The outcome of the SNP bill could set a powerful precedent in how the UK government addresses historical injustices. If passed, it may:
- Influence future policymaking on pension and welfare communication standards
- Inspire similar movements in other demographic groups who experienced poor public policy rollout
- Signal a broader shift toward restorative justice models in government
Public reaction has been overwhelmingly supportive, with many expressing that even if £10,000 doesn’t cover all losses, it would offer a symbolic step toward reconciliation.
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Practical Steps to Take Now
- Check Your Eligibility: If you’re born within the qualifying dates, begin compiling your documentation. Check correspondence from the DWP and your employment records.
- Register for Updates:
- Sign up at WASPI Campaign
- Monitor Parliamentary updates or subscribe to MP newsletters
- Contact Your MP: Make your voice heard. Encourage your MP to back the bill. Template letters are available on WASPI’s site.
- Organize Your Financial Records: Start a file that includes,
- Letters from pension providers
- Savings accounts and withdrawals
- Job search or re-employment history post-60
- Stay Engaged: Attend local support group meetings or webinars hosted by advocacy groups. Being informed and connected boosts the visibility of the movement.
FAQs On SNP’s Pledge to WASPI Women Unveiled
Q1: Has the £10,000 payment been approved?
Not yet. The SNP’s bill is still in Parliament and has several stages to pass.
Q2: Will everyone get the same amount?
Currently, the proposal is for a flat rate, but some MPs argue for a tiered model based on severity of impact.
Q3: When could payments begin?
If passed by the end of the year, applications and payments could start in late 2025.
Q4: What if I live abroad?
You may still be eligible if you paid into the UK National Insurance system during your working life.
Q5: Can family members claim on behalf of deceased WASPI women?
That’s still unclear, but campaigners are pushing for provisions to include next of kin claims in such cases.
