UK State Pension Question
 

Hi,

My mom worked in the UK from 1975-1980. She will reach pension age in 2019. She contributed NI at the time, and now she lives in Canada, she is a Canadian Citizen. I looked online and it seems to me that she is eligible for a state pension for 5/30 of the amount. If I am correct, we also have the option of topping up for the last 6 years if we do so by April 5, we can still contribute for 2003.

What happens with her pension when she passes a way. Will my dad be able to collect it if she passes before him? He is a Canadian citizen, so is there any issues with that.

Also, I read that they deposit the money in our local currency in Canadian banks. Is that just an option, or will they deposit it in my mom's UK account at Barclays.

I tried to get the info from someone over the phone, but they wanted my mom's NI number which she cannot remember, so we need to get it traced.

Thanks

Re: UK State Pension Question
 

Contact the Dept of Work and Pensions at Newcastle, they should help you. State pensions are non transferable, even within the UK, private work pensions often are, but at a reduced rate.

Re: UK State Pension Question
 

She is definitely entitled to a pension when the time comes. She can have it paid into any bank in Canada that she chooses. I am not sure about the details of topping up or buying back but I know that many people have gained by doing so. Of course the pension that she receives will be frozen and will not increase at all due to successive governments policy. This was contested recently at the European Court of Human Rights who did not find in our favour but we are continuing the fight. Who are we ? The Canadian Alliance of British Pensioners and we have people who can answer all of your questions. You would be most welcome to join us as you don't have to be a pensioner to do so. Go to this website and have a look : www.britishpensions.com
The CABP are members of the The International Consortium of British Pensioners which now has its own web site at
http://www.pension-parity-uk.com
On there we have a petition to try to obtain pension parity with all of the other pensioners in the UK and around the world. We are not going to give in on this issue of freezing pensions so come and join us.