I worked in Germany for two years in the 1970s, paying contributions into their system. I was told then that these would be credited to my UK pension when the time came.
Well, now it’s come. And having checked online that it’s the UK scheme I should apply to to coordinate this, I wrote to them in July. And in August, September, October, November, December. Via post, email, the contact form on their website. Seven or eight times in all, with no reply. I also rang them, to be assured that “someone in the right department” would be checking the details.
I applied for my pension as soon as I was sent the form to do so in November, and answered the question on there re “Have you ever worked abroad?”. Apparently they would be contacting me to get further details of this period, and to let me know what my entitlement is and whether I could pay a lump sum to enhance it.
Well I’m now a few short days away from my state pension date and have heard nothing. I don’t even know what my pension is going to be, as apparently I shouldn’t rely on the estimate given on my Government Gateway account. I rang in early December and was told they’re very, very busy, someone will be dealing with this, and I shouldn’t worry. Oh, and I won’t be getting my first payment until at least five weeks after the due date because they’re very, very busy. And perhaps I could ring again after New Year (which I intended to).
Today I’ve received a standard letter apologising for the delayed response to mine of 3 August and advising that I need to contact the “countries that I have paid contributions in” and they will advise me of my pension entitlement under their rules.
I may be cynical, but I’m starting to wonder if this has been put on ice for the last 6 months so that they can now say the EU transitional period is over and it’s no longer their responsibility.
I’m very fed up, to say the least, and sorry for the rant (at least when I’m on here, DH isn’t having his ear bent about it!).
So can I ask - has anyone here been in a similar position, and how did it pan out? Or has anyone any advice on the situation? Many thanks in advance!
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