Frequently Asked Questions About HRP Claims
Plain-English answers about Home Responsibilities Protection, eligibility, claim timescales, documents, and Kensbridge fees.
Quick Summary
- No Win, No Fee
- No upfront fees
- Typical claims may take 6–9 months
- Arrears are paid directly by DWP to you
Kensbridge HRP Claims — Customer FAQ
These answers are for customers considering a Home Responsibilities Protection claim with Kensbridge. They explain how HRP works, who may qualify, what happens after signing up, and how fees are handled.
HRP Basics
1) What is Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP)?
HRP was a government scheme from 6 April 1978 to 5 April 2010 that protected State Pension entitlement for parents and carers by reducing the number of National Insurance qualifying years needed. In 2010, HRP was replaced by National Insurance 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.
- Had Child Benefit recorded in your partner’s name.
- Spent significant time caring for someone with a long-term illness or disability.
Kensbridge checks your National Insurance record and 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. Kensbridge 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. Kensbridge reviews your record and advises.
Claim Process
5) How do I start a claim with Kensbridge?
You can start your HRP claim online in a few minutes.
- Complete onboarding: Provide key details about your Child Benefit or caring history.
- Sign documents: You may sign pre-filled documents digitally.
- Electronic ID check: Most customers do not need to upload ID at the start.
- Case review: Kensbridge reviews your answers and confirms next steps.
Paper packs can be provided on request for digitally excluded customers.
8) What happens after I sign up?
- Eligibility and evidence check
- Submission to HMRC for HRP and/or transfer
- National Insurance record updated by HMRC if approved
- DWP recalculates State Pension and processes any arrears
Kensbridge keeps you updated and chases HMRC/DWP where appropriate.
11) Can I apply to HMRC directly instead of using Kensbridge?
Yes. You can apply directly online or by post. Many customers choose Kensbridge to manage eligibility checks, paperwork, evidence gathering, submissions, and appeals if needed.
19) Are you authorised to act for me?
Yes. When you sign up, you authorise Kensbridge to act on your behalf in relation to your HRP-related claim.
- For HMRC, you sign form 64-8 and related authority documents.
- For DWP, you sign a Letter of Authority.
Kensbridge is independent. We are not part of HMRC or DWP, and we are not endorsed by them.
Documents
6) What documents will I need?
In most cases, you will not need to upload documents at the start. We may carry out an electronic ID check using the information you provide.
If required, we may ask for:
- Photo ID, such as a passport or UK driving licence
- Proof of address, such as a recent utility bill or bank statement
- Supporting evidence relevant to your Child Benefit or caring history
16) Do I need my original Child Benefit forms?
No. HMRC keeps historical records. Original paperwork can help, but it is not always essential. Kensbridge assists in gathering the information HMRC requires.
Timescales
7) How long does an HRP claim take?
Timescales vary and depend heavily on how quickly HMRC and DWP process your claim. Many straightforward HRP-related cases may take around 6–9 months once all information is available.
More complex cases, such as long gaps, name changes, disputes, or appeals, can take 9–12 months or longer.
20) How do I track progress?
Kensbridge provides updates by email or SMS. You can also contact the team directly for progress updates.
Fees
9) How much does Kensbridge charge?
Kensbridge operates on a No Win, No Fee basis for HRP-related claims. Our success fee is 30% of any arrears actually received, plus VAT at 20%. This means a total of 36% of the arrears actually received. If no arrears are paid, you pay £0.
10) How are fees paid?
HRP-related arrears are paid directly to you by the Department for Work and Pensions. Kensbridge does not receive arrears on your behalf. If your claim is successful, Kensbridge will send an invoice and fee breakdown.
14) What if my claim is unsuccessful?
If your claim is unsuccessful and no arrears are paid to you, you pay nothing.
Other Questions
12) Will claiming affect my current State Pension payments?
An HRP claim corrects your National Insurance record. If successful, it may increase your 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 by the years corrected.
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.
17) I already requested a pension forecast — can I still claim?
Yes. A pension forecast can help identify missing years. Kensbridge can still review HRP eligibility and submit a claim if appropriate.
18) What if I already get the full State Pension?
If you already receive the full State Pension, a correction may not increase your weekly payments, but you could still be entitled to arrears for previous years.
Summary
No Win, No Fee. 36% including VAT on successful arrears only. No upfront fee. Typical timelines may be around 6–9 months, although complex cases may take longer.
Start Your HRP (Child Benefit) Claim Today
If you think you might be missing HRP credits, don’t miss out on what’s rightfully yours. Contact Kensbridge today for a free assessment and check whether you're receiving the correct State Pension.