Postmasters affected by unexplained losses linked to the Horizon IT system are being urged to submit claims to the Horizon Shortfall Scheme (HSS) before the 31 January 2026 deadline.
The scheme is designed to compensate current and former postmasters who experienced financial shortfalls between 1999 and 2015, but who were not involved in group legal action against Post Office.
Despite the long-running nature of the scandal, thousands of eligible postmasters are yet to apply.
Who can apply?
You may be eligible if you:
Were a postmaster or worked in a Post Office branch between 1999–2015
Experienced unexplained shortfalls linked to Horizon
Did not take part in previous group litigation
Why this matters
Many postmasters were forced to repay money they did not owe, suffered financial hardship, or faced disciplinary action due to faults in the Horizon system. The scheme exists to provide long-overdue redress — but no claim means no compensation.
Deadline reminder
🗓 Applications must be submitted by 31 January 2026
Late applications risk being rejected, so anyone who believes they may be eligible is strongly encouraged to act now.
Where to apply
Applications can be made through the official Horizon Shortfall Scheme process on the Post Office website.
