Apply for backdated State Pension if you’re a transgender woman
Transgender women born between 31 October 1953 and 6 November 1953 may be eligible for State Pension from 31 October 2018 to the date of their 65th birthday.
Eligibility
You may be entitled to backdated State Pension if all the following apply:
- you were born between 31 October 1953 and 6 November 1953
- you had lived in your acquired gender for at least 2 years by 31 October 2018
- you have had gender reassignment surgery
This is because a court ruling means that a transgender person who has had gender reassignment surgery and lived in their acquired gender for a significant period must be recognised in their acquired gender for State Pension purposes.
How to apply
Contact the Pension Service and ask for an expression of interest form.
The Pension Service
Telephone: 0800 731 0469
Telephone from outside the UK: +44 (0)300 043 1103
Textphone: 0800 731 0464
Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 731 0469
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
Find out about call charges
Welsh language:
Welsh language telephone: 0800 731 0453
Welsh language textphone: 0800 731 0456
Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 3.30pm
Find out about call charges
Email:
npc.grteam@dwp.gov.uk
By post:
GR Team (in confidence)
Newcastle Pension Centre
TJ001
Tyneview Park
Benton
Tyne and Wear
NE98 1BA
What you’ll need to apply
When you return the form, you will need to send proof that you had been living in your acquired gender for at least 2 years by 31 October 2018. This could include copies of your:
- passport
- driving licence
- payslips
- benefit documents
- utility bills
- other official documents
All documents must be in your acquired name and gender. The earliest document must be dated before 31 October 2016.
You will also need to send proof that you have had gender reassignment surgery, for example a letter from your doctor.
What happens next
You’ll get a letter that will tell you if you’re entitled to backdated State Pension. If you’re entitled, you’ll be paid any money you are owed.
Last updated 5 March 2024 + show all updates
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Updated telephone number and opening times for the Pension Service.
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Updated opening times for the Pension Service.
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First published.