The new errors affect people claiming the new state pension who were already widowed when they retired.

Of the £83 billion taken in flexible payments since inception in 2015, 65% has been taken by those aged under 65.

Just £2.2m in arrears has so far been paid out compared with an estimated final bill of £1.15 billion.

A quarter think the state pension will not exist in its current form by the time they retire.

Evidence found that there are a significant number of divorced women with low state pensions.

A new report has suggested payouts of between £1,000 and £2,950.

25% of those approaching retirement are unaware of the option to delay or stop claiming the State Pension.