The UK government is sending letters to around one million people, mostly women, to inform them they may be eligible for additional pension payments. These payments are intended for individuals who earned low wages and were affected by the type of pension scheme their employer used. The letters are being sent to clarify that the communication is not a scam and to explain how to claim the payment. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), through HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), will contact eligible individuals over the next few months. Most recipients can expect to receive around £70, though the exact amount will depend on individual circumstances. If someone receives a letter, they can verify its authenticity and avoid scams by following official guidelines. The initiative targets individuals who were part of a specific type of pension scheme called a Net Pay Arrangement. Under this scheme, employees received less tax relief on their pension contributions compared to those in a Relief at Source scheme. Since employees have no say in which pension scheme their employer uses, the government has decided to provide top-up payments to those who were disadvantaged. These payments are aimed at people who earned close to, but not more than, £12,570 per year, which is the threshold for paying income tax. The top-up payments will initially cover the 2024-25 tax year, with automatic payments for following years. To ensure the legitimacy of the letter, HMRC will not contact individuals through text, email, or phone. If someone receives such contact, it is likely a scam. HMRC will also never ask for money transfers, PIN codes, or passwords. Recipients can check the letter by confirming HMRC has their most recent address and by visiting the official government website, Gov.uk, to find guidance on verifying the letter. Specific instructions can be found under "Low Earner's Pension Payment." For those who are not digitally connected, HMRC offers the option to contact them directly to claim the payment through their personal tax account. Sir Steve Webb, a former pensions minister and partner at pensions consultancy LCP, has expressed concerns about the number of people who may actually receive the payment. He noted that the government has estimated the cost of the initiative to be lower than if all eligible individuals claimed their top-up. He warned that distributing the payments could be challenging, with a risk that many people may not take up the offer. To address this, HMRC plans to run an awareness campaign using social media and other communication channels to inform the public and ensure people receive the money they are entitled to.