UK veterans face pension debt claims after clerical overpayment error

Over a thousand former British service personnel have been contacted about debts arising from pension overpayments caused by a clerical error, according to the Ministry of Defence. The miscalculations, largely linked to incorrect National Insurance figures, affected 335 veterans and generated a total overpayment of £5.1 million, of which £304,000 has already been reclaimed. Recipients such as 70-year-old Ray Lawton, who was told he owed £8,000 and saw his monthly pension cut, and former Royal Navy sailor Andrew Thorburn, facing a £26,438 bill, describe the situation as financially devastating.

The Forces Pension Society reports additional cases, some involving six-figure sums, and advises veterans to confirm the legitimacy of any demand. Administration of the scheme is performed by Equiniti, subcontracted by technology firm Sopra Steria, which says the errors originated before its involvement. While the MoD stresses a duty to recover taxpayer money sensitively, former defence secretary Penny Mordaunt argues many debts should be written off.