£7859 Refund from HMRC: The £7859 Refund from HMRC has become a surprising and welcome news for thousands across the UK. In 2025, HMRC began issuing refunds to people affected by a pension error linked to missed credits. Many individuals, especially caregivers from past decades, could be owed thousands without even knowing it. If you’ve recently received a letter from HMRC, it’s important to act quickly to claim what’s rightfully yours.
This article explains everything about the £7859 Refund from HMRC, why these payments are being made, who is eligible, and how to respond if you get a letter. We’ll also guide you on how to protect yourself from scams and what steps to take even if HMRC hasn’t contacted you yet.
£7859 Refund from HMRC
The £7859 Refund from HMRC is being paid to correct a long-standing pension mistake involving Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP) credits. These credits were meant to safeguard the state pension rights of people who cared for children or dependents between 1978 and 2010. Due to administrative errors, around 370,000 people—mostly women—missed out on these credits, leading to reduced pension payments. HMRC is now correcting this by issuing refunds, with average payments around £7,859, though some people may receive more.
Overview of the £7859 Refund from HMRC
| Aspect | Details |
| Reason for Refund | Missed HRP credits for caregivers between 1978 and 2010 |
| Average Refund Amount | £7,859, with some receiving higher amounts |
| Affected Individuals | About 370,000 people, mainly women |
| Eligibility | Caregivers or Child Benefit claimants during the affected years |
| Action Required | Respond to HMRC letters and provide requested information |
| Official Resources | HMRC guidance page |
What Caused the HMRC Pension Error?
Between 1978 and 2010, HRP credits were introduced to protect the National Insurance records of individuals who paused their careers to care for children under 16 or dependents with disabilities. These credits ensured that time spent caregiving didn’t reduce future state pension entitlements.
Unfortunately, many eligible people were never awarded these credits due to record-keeping mistakes. As a result, their National Insurance contributions appeared incomplete, leading to lower pension payments. After reviewing records, HMRC and DWP are now correcting this error and compensating those affected.
How to Verify if You’re Eligible for the £7859 Refund from HMRC
- Did You Care for Children or Dependents?
If you provided care for children under 16 or dependents during 1978–2010, especially if you claimed Child Benefit, you could be eligible. Even if you didn’t claim Child Benefit but were a full-time caregiver, you might still qualify. - Did You Receive a Letter from HMRC?
HMRC has sent letters to people identified as potentially affected. If you receive one, it will explain the reason and guide you on how to claim your refund. - What If You Didn’t Receive a Letter?
If you think you qualify but haven’t been contacted, check your National Insurance record online at GOV.UK. Look for gaps in contributions during the relevant years and contact HMRC for clarification.
How to Claim the £7859 Refund from HMRC Pension
Step 1: Respond to the HMRC Letter
If HMRC has written to you, read the letter carefully. Confirm your identity and provide any documents requested, such as proof of Child Benefit claims or evidence of caregiving.
Step 2: Submit Necessary Forms
Complete all forms included in the letter. If you’re unsure about any details, contact HMRC for assistance before submitting.
Step 3: Await Confirmation
Once HMRC processes your claim, they will confirm your refund and explain how the payment will be made.
Step 4: Check for Adjustments to Your State Pension
Correcting your National Insurance record may also boost your future state pension payments. HMRC will inform you of any adjustments.
What If You Haven’t Been Contacted?
If you haven’t received a letter but believe you’re eligible:
- Check Your National Insurance Record:
Visit the official GOV.UK website and review your NI contributions. Look for missing credits between 1978 and 2010. - Contact HMRC Directly:
Call 0300 200 3500 and ask about possible missed HRP credits. It’s better to check than miss out on a refund.
Protecting Yourself from Scams
With large refunds like the £7859 Refund from HMRC, scammers often try to take advantage. Here’s how to stay safe:
- Recognize Genuine HMRC Communications
HMRC will only contact you by post. They won’t send emails, texts, or call you unexpectedly asking for personal information. - Avoid Sharing Personal Information
Never give out your bank details or personal info in response to unsolicited messages claiming to be from HMRC. - Report Suspicious Communications
If you receive a suspicious message, forward it to [email protected] or report scam calls to HMRC’s fraud team.
Common Questions About the HMRC Refund
How much will I receive?
How long does it take to get the refund?
Once your information is submitted, HMRC typically processes claims within 8 to 12 weeks.
Will this affect my future pension?
Yes, correcting your record could increase your future state pension payments.
What happens if I ignore the HMRC letter?
If you don’t respond, you risk losing your refund and missing out on pension adjustments.
Can I claim for someone else?
Yes, if you’re managing the affairs of someone eligible, such as a parent or spouse. You may need documents like Power of Attorney.
Additional Support and Guidance
If you’re unsure about the process or need help:
- Contact HMRC: Call 0300 200 3500 or visit their pensions guidance page online.
- Citizen’s Advice: They offer free advice and can help you with the claim process.
- Financial Advisors: If your pension situation is complex, a financial advisor can provide tailored guidance.
Final Thought
The £7859 Refund from HMRC is an important opportunity to correct past pension errors and reclaim money you’re owed. If you’ve received a letter, don’t delay—respond promptly and follow the instructions. Even if you haven’t been contacted, it’s worth checking your National Insurance record to ensure you haven’t been affected.
Stay alert for scams, and always use official HMRC channels when dealing with your personal information. If you have questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to HMRC or trusted advisors.
Feel free to share this article with others who might benefit, and leave a comment if you have any experiences or tips about claiming your refund!
