My mum turned 60 in 2015. Had her retirement sorted. Then she got a letter saying she’d need to work another five years. No warning, no extra savings time, just bad luck.
She’s one of 3.8 million women caught up in the WASPI legal battle with the DWP. Ten years on, they’re still fighting.
What’s Happening Now
The High Court will hear WASPI’s judicial review on December 9th and 10th, 2025. WASPI filed back in March after Labour refused compensation in December 2024.
When will WASPI get a decision? Could be weeks, could be months. Courts don’t rush.
WASPI crowdfunded over £250,000 for legal costs. Thousands of women are chipping in because they’re tired of being ignored. They got a cost-capping order too, so if they lose, they’ll only owe £60,000 max instead of unlimited government fees.
The Money Fight
The Parliamentary Ombudsman recommended £1,000 to £2,950 per woman in 2024. That’s the WASPI compensation calculator range based on individual impact.
What’s the total bill? The government says £10.5 billion. Too expensive, apparently. DWP’s annual budget is £275.8 billion, which makes refusing £10.5 billion look daft.
Labour promised support in opposition. Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves called it an “injustice”. And when they got elected, they changed their tune to “can’t afford it”.
My mum watched that flip live on telly. “They used us for votes,” she said. Hard to disagree.
What Went Wrong
Between 1995 and 2011, the government raised women’s state pension age from 60 to 66. Matching it with men’s made sense; nobody can dispute that.
Communication was the disaster. DWP should’ve started writing to women in 2005. They didn’t bother until 2007. That’s 28 months where women got zero warning their plans were screwed.
After 2007, loads never got letters. Some moved house; DWP didn’t update addresses. Some got letters too vague to understand. Total shambles.
The government claims 90% of 1950s-born women knew by 2006 through other channels. Maybe, but that’s rubbish for the ones who didn’t. And knowing pension ages were changing generally doesn’t mean you knew YOUR age changed.
The Legal Challenge
The judicial review asks if refusing compensation was “irrational” and unjustified. WASPI lawyers reckon Labour’s reasons don’t hold up.
Angela Madden, WASPI chair, said after seeing DWP’s defence: “We are not deterred. The lawyers have identified further flaws in the DWP’s decision.”
DWP’s defence: yes, we messed up; yes, it was maladministration, but most women knew anyway, so no real harm. Also, £10.5 billion is too much.
WASPI’s reply: You admitted maladministration, the Ombudsman said we deserve compensation, and you can’t ignore that because it costs money.
WASPI Compensation Latest
As of November 2025, there’s no WASPI compensation DWP update confirming payments. The government position hasn’t budged since December 2024, and they are not paying.
If WASPI wins, the government must reconsider. It doesn’t guarantee payments, but it puts heat on ministers.
If WASPI loses, that’s probably finished. Appealing costs more money and time.
There’s no DWP WASPI compensation form because there’s no scheme. If one gets created after a court win, the affected women would apply then.
Why It Matters
My mum’s got three mates from work who were hit. One cancelled her retirement cruise. Another kept working despite health problems. Third was caring for elderly parents whilst still working because she couldn’t afford to stop.
These aren’t wealthy women wanting handouts. They paid National Insurance all their lives. Planned properly. The government moved the goalposts with barely a heads-up.
The Ombudsman found maladministration. The government admitted maladministration. But admitting you did something wrong apparently doesn’t mean you fix it.
That’s why women are furious. Not just about £2,950. It’s about fairness. The government follows its own rules. The Parliamentary Ombudsman matters.
What Some Labour MPs Say
A few Labour MPs are embarrassed. Jonathan Brash, Hartlepool MP, said, “Options were available to ministers other than simply saying no.”
Brian Leishman, MP for Alloa and Grangemouth, said he was “appalled”.
But they’re not making decisions. Cabinet ministers won’t budge. Backbenchers can complain, but it won’t shift policy.
Waspi Legal Battle: DWP Reality Check
Let’s be straight about what happens if WASPI wins. The government would reconsider, but could still refuse. Just need better reasons.
Or offer less than the Ombudsman recommended. Maybe £1,000 each instead of up to £2,950. Still billions, but it looks like a compromise.
Or means-test it. Only pay women who prove financial hardship. Cuts the total cost massively but leaves loads with nothing.
My bet? If WASPI wins, the government will offer £500-£1,500 per woman with strict rules. Cheaper than £10.5 billion, it looks like action, but most women still feel cheated.
What Women Should Do
If you’re a WASPI woman born between 6 April 1950 and 5 April 1960, watch the WASPI website for updates.
Nothing to apply for yet. No forms. Just waiting on the court.
If you moved house since the 1990s, update your details with DWP. If compensation happens, they’ll use their records to contact you.
Check your state pension age on the government website if you haven’t. You might be surprised by how much it has changed since 1960.
Write to your MP. Loads supported WASPI before Labour got elected. Hold them to it. More pressure from constituents makes it harder for ministers to ignore.
Honest Opinion
The WASPI legal battle and, DWP payout situation are hoping women will give up. They’ve delayed and denied for nearly ten years.
The Ombudsman investigation took six years. Judicial review is taking another year. By the time any decision gets made and implemented, some women will have died. We are not suggesting some conspiracy; just maths. The youngest WASPI women are 65 now. The oldest is 75.
The government knows that every year they delay costs less because fewer women are alive to claim. Grim but accurate.
My mum’s still working part-time at 69 because she couldn’t retire at 60 like planned. She’s not asking for lost pension years back, as that ship sailed. She wants acknowledgement that DWP messed up and some compensation for the chaos.
£2,950 wouldn’t change her life, but it would feel like justice. That’s what this is about. Not money, but principle.
If the government can admit maladministration, have the Ombudsman confirm it, and then refuse to do anything, what’s the point of having an Ombudsman? What’s accountability worth?
WASPI women have waited long enough. The court decision will be crucial. Either way, this has gone on too long for women who just wanted to retire with dignity.
