Postmasters urged to apply for Horizon Shortfall Scheme before 31 January deadline

Current and former postmasters are being urged to apply to the Horizon Shortfall Scheme with one month to go before the application deadline on 31 January 2026.

Applications can be submitted via an online form, by email or post and must be received by 11:59pm on 31 January 2026.

The reminder comes two years after the ITV drama, Mr Bates v The Post Office, aired on News Years Day 2024.

£769 million has been paid through the Horizon Shortfall Scheme, as of 28 November 2025. In total, £1,326 million has been paid in financial redress for the Horizon IT Scandal to over 10,000 people across all schemes.

Post Office is raising awareness of the Horizon Shortfall Scheme closure date so as many eligible people as possible who were impacted by the Horizon IT Scandal can receive financial redress. The organisation has sent out letters to those who may be eligible and placed adverts in national newspapers and on social media in recent months.

Neil Brocklehurst, Post Office Chief Executive, said: “I want everyone affected by the Horizon IT Scandal who is eligible for financial redress to receive it as soon as possible. There is just one month left to apply to the Horizon Shortfall Scheme, so please don’t wait – applications must be received by 31^st January.

“If you have questions, our team is ready to talk through your options with you. Postmaster representative groups, such as the National Federation of Sub-Postmasters, Voice of the Postmaster, or the Communication Workers Union, can also offer support.”

Post Office Minister Blair McDougall said: "It is my priority that postmasters receive fair redress as quickly as possible in recognition of the hurt that so many of them and their families suffered.

"The Horizon Shortfall Scheme has been central to this effort, paying out over £700 million to more than 6,000 people affected.

"I encourage anyone who thinks they might be eligible for the scheme to come forward before it closes, and we will continue working to ensure all those affected receive the justice they deserve."

Applicants can choose between a £75,000 fixed sum offer or a full assessment of their case if they believe they are entitled to a higher amount.

Current and former postmasters who have, or had, a contract with Post Office and experienced shortfalls related to previous versions of Horizon are encouraged to check the eligibility criteria and submit an application.

Applications can also be submitted on behalf of those who are ill, unable to do so themselves, or who have died, subject to certain criteria.

Help and support is available for those with further questions via phone and email from a dedicated claimant support team.

Notes to editors

Information and support for potential applicants to the Horizon Shortfall Scheme

Any eligible current or former postmaster who was impacted and wishes to apply to the Horizon Shortfall Scheme can start their application by visiting: The Horizon Shortfall Scheme | One Post Office. Applications can also be submitted by post.

More information, including full eligibility criteria and frequently asked questions, is available on the Horizon Shortfall Scheme website. Help and support is available for those with further questions via phone and email from a dedicated claimant support team.

Potential applicants can call the Remediation Contact Centre on 0333 665 1093 or email horizonshortfallscheme@postoffice.co.uk with questions or for support.

Background on the redress schemes

As of 28 November 2025, £1,326 million has been paid to over 10,000 people across all schemes. A breakdown of these figures can be accessed here: Post Office Horizon financial redress and legal costs data for 2025 - GOV.UK

There are four main schemes providing financial redress to those affected by the scandal:

1. Horizon Shortfall Scheme (HSS): Post Office is administering the Horizon Shortfall Scheme, established in 2020 to provide redress for postmasters who were not claimants in the Group Litigation but who suffered losses related to previous versions of the Post Office’s Horizon computer system.
2. Group Litigation Order (GLO) Scheme: The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is administering the GLO scheme, which provides ex-gratia redress for postmasters who were claimants in the Group Litigation and part of its settlement in 2019.
3. Horizon Convictions Redress Scheme (HCRS): DBT is also administering the Horizon Convictions Redress Scheme which was opened to provide redress for people whose criminal convictions have been overturned. Since 3 June 2025, this also includes criminal convictions that were overturned by the courts (i.e. that were previously within the Overturned Convictions process).
4. Capture Redress Scheme: This scheme is being administered by DBT and is for those who experienced a financial shortfall as a result of the Capture software installed in some Post Office branches between 1992 and 2000.

In addition to the schemes above, Post Office operates the Post Office Process Review (PPR) and the Suspension Renumeration Review (SSR) which are separate processes intended to provide redress for current and former postmasters who were adversely affected by previous operational policies, unrelated to the Horizon system. The SRR will also be closing to new applications from 11:59pm on 31 January 2026. Please see more information about the SRR here. The PPR will remain open to new applications after 31 January 2026.

Restorative justice

In addition to paying financial redress, Post Office is committed to supporting those impacted by the Horizon IT Scandal through a meaningful restorative justice programme.

The Restorative Justice Council launched the Horizon Project in September 2025, a restorative justice programme for people affected by the Horizon IT Scandal. The project is jointly commissioned and funded by Post Office, Fujitsu and the Department for Business and Trade, but the Restorative Justice Council is an independent organisation with over 25 years of experience.

Restorative justice is separate to financial redress and seeks to address the emotional impact of the scandal to facilitate healing and accountability. It is an entirely voluntary process and the Restorative Justice Council can provide further information and support for anyone who is interested in taking part in the Horizon Project.