The Department decided to contact pensioners reviewed as part of the State Pension LEAP exercise only if a correction was made to their basic State Pension.36 Other groups of pensioners can receive arrears if they make a claim to the Department, however, the Department has provided very little information to such pensioners on how to do so. There is no legal obligation on the Department to seek out these pensioners or pay them arrears. The Department will backdate any increased payments by 12 months from the date when a new claim is made. These groups include: • married women, whose spouse or civil partner became entitled to State Pension prior to 17 March 2008; • divorced pensioners who have not informed the Department of the divorce and whose pension could be increased using their ex-spouse or ex-partner’s National Insurance record; and • individuals more than 80 years old who are not already in receipt of basic State Pension, or who currently live abroad and have not yet claimed the uplift.37