Transgender women born in October and November 1953 have been told by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) they may be eligible for the Women’s State Pension from 31 October 2018 to the date of their 65^th birthday.

The DWP updated guidance for transgender women’s State Pension eligibility this morning following a recent court case.

Transgender women may be entitled to backdated State Pension if they were born between 31 October 1953 and 6 November 1953, lived as a women for at least 2 years by 31 October 2018, and have had gender reassignment surgery.

The DWP said it updated its guidance for transgender women due to a court ruling stating 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.

The DWP confirmed that transgender women could claim State Pension from the women's State Pension age and created guidance for the process in January 2018.

Should they believe a client may qualify for the backdated State Pension, Financial Planners can contact the Pension Service and ask for an expression of interest form.

In order to check eligibility for the backdated pension payment, clients will need to send proof they have been living as a woman for at least two year by 31 October 2019 which could include copies of a passport, driving license, payslips, benefit documents, or utility bills dated before 31 October 2016.

They will also need to send proof of gender reassignment surgery such as a doctor's letter.