jasper123

Hi Ed, yes as you say things seem to be looking up for you, thats good, I really feel for you when you talk about your long commute that is taking its toll on you but it looks like you are taking care of business and as you say could be in a nice flat in Ayr within a month or so and then your commute will be short and you will be far less tired, good luck on the move to Ayr soon,
Rodney.

Taffy Duck

Hello Rodney the Canadian you met was exactly right however if he was collecting 2000 dollars it's more than likely the max. OAP or old age pension is the state pension you qualify for this with a minimum of 10 years as a resident and collect it at 65.... CPP or QPP if you live in Quebec is called canadian pension plan or quebec pension plan and it's totally tied to the number of years you have worked..you actually pay the gov. money out of your pay check and your employer does the same, the number of years you've worked the more money you receive. If you retire early in life you can collect CPP at the age of 60 of course at a reduced rate I think it's reduced 0.5% per month or 6% each year up to 65 to a total of 30%. I think most people collect it early at 60 as you don't know what lies ahead..take the money now and worry about it later..I myself will be collecting the CPP at 60...with regards to your British Passport I would most certainly re-new it prior to going this november..here in Canada they advise you to replace your canadian passport within the last 6 months before the expired date..and as you will be travelling on a one way ticket I think it would be a prudent move....using your UK passport entering the UK gives you "Right of Abode" with no immigration limits and if you desire you can work right away or just enjoy your new life in the UK with your Mum..

cheers...Taffy

Relocateme

[QUOTE=Taffy Duck;8426520]Hello Eileen just wondering if you have signed up for the "My Service Canada Account" I tried to register yesterday but I kept getting an error, it told me that I needed a PAC which is a personal access code. It directed me to another site to apply for the PAC however after many attempts it would not let me finish the appication...so I called Service Canada and talked to a live human...she was very nice and told me my mother's maiden name was not tied in the system to my SIN number...she said I had to go down to the local Service Canada Centre and show them my Canadian citizen card which I did..it took about 45 mins as there was many people in the office, however unlike your experience they were very helpful...when I returned home and re-applied for the PAC it went through without a hitch..now in 5 to 10 bus. days I should get my PAC in the mail...then I should be able to regisiter for the "My Service Canada Account"....the reason I'm applying for this is that you have complete control of your canadian info with respect to CPP and OAP i.e. pension forcasts, CPP and OAP appilcations which you'll be able to do in any country online from your laptop...here is the link to get you started...

I went to the link and applied for the My Service Canada account but before you can apply you need an "Epass"..so tried registering for one of those ..I had forgotten I had one of those about 15yrs ago but did not hang on to the password. Didnt know I needed it for pension stuff since it was for EI payments at that time..Called into an agent who is arranging a pass code to be sent by mail to my house in England so I can view my benefits.

I can apply for the CPP right away if I want

He said to apply for your OApension right after your 64th birthday and you definitely need your date of entry into Canada and that document is mandatory...if you dont have it takes 6 months to replace and it is most certainly $30...so off I go again to Citizenship and immigration

Auld Yin

The Canadian you met somewhat overstated things. CPP has a maximum of $934.17 at age 65 and as posted by Taffy Duck is based on years of contributions and level of contributions. Someone who had a lower paying job would contribute less and that would be reflected in a lower monthly payout. It is available at 60 provided you are not working. I would suggest that most people take the reduced CPP pension. OAS pays $516.96 monthly at age 65 to everyone in Canada 10 years or more. So maximum collectible is $,1451.13. If the man had a wife collecting OAS then the total would be very close to $2,000.00.

Relocateme

Would you suggest that I apply for CPP before I leave Canada at 62 or wait till I am 65 over there?

Taffy Duck

[QUOTE=Relocateme;8427780] Hi Eileen I'm glad you managed to get the agent to send you the pass code to your UK address I think this is the same code I'm being sent to my house I guess they have to mail it for security reasons. "Proof of Date of Entry" is that the large pink imigration form that is stapled in my old blue British Passport ? If it is I'm glad I kept it...take care and I hope you relax soon..

cheers...Taffy

Auld Yin

It is always recommended that, unless you would have a sizeable retirement income, you should collect the CPP at the earliest opportunity. At 62 you would be discounted by 1.5% (3 x 0.5%)

Relocateme

[QUOTE=Taffy Duck;8427870] Yes pass code is same thing...takes 10days apparently so hence having it sent to UK

Yes Proof of entry it is the Pink Landed Immigrant doc that you kept and heaven only knows what I did with mine..have a look to see if it says on there ...Keep This..didnt keep old blue either...wont relax now till I get that document..wonder if I can apply online for it save going down there in traffic

Relocateme

Is this another online thing or can you do this in person?

aes1

Rodney, I would wait and get your passport renewed in the UK, should be much easier there. Still waiting on mine coming, getting nervous........

aes1

I read the Daily Mail article, thanks for posting. Very interesting and an even higher percentage of expats returning home. Again I can only say to those thinking of returning - do it now!!! Don't delay, unless you can afford to for at least five years. Before that time, I personally don't see much chance of things improving.

Taffy Duck

[QUOTE=Relocateme;8427927] Thanks Eileen..Auld Yin quoted if you collect CPP it would be reduced by 0.5% x 3 =1.5%..this is not true what Auld Yin meant to say was 0.5% per month which equates to 0.5% x 36 months = 18% not 1.5%...I think you'll be able to apply on line in the UK especially if you have the "My Service Canada Account" setup. Don't forget every month you delay you will save you an extra 0.5%...myself I intend to collect it as soon as I reach 60...

cheers...Taffy

Auld Yin

[QUOTE=Taffy Duck;8429322] Yes, of course you're correct. My math is not what it used to be. I see no reason why you can't do it online. Many parts of Canada do not have access to a Service Canada office. I did mine and my wife's online with no problem.

Taffy Duck

[QUOTE=Auld Yin;8429669] Hello Auld Yin..I agree with you I think Eileen will have no problem doing it online even in the UK...

cheers...Taffy

aes1

Hi Everyone, just heard my shipment is arriving at my sister's house in Middlesbrough on Monday. Three days before I get there!!! So that will be fun, seeing what I packed and asking myself why did I pack this and not that. Meanwhile, still trying to sell house, still trying to sell car, but furniture all gone except for my bed which will go tomorrow. Glad I took these last three days off work, I am knee deep in bags and boxes for consignment. My friend is taking them back up to Greenville (3 hour drive) to sell for me. Had a porch full picked up by the Kidney Foundation for charity this morning, so things are moving on well. Given up worrying about money/taxes, etc, and having faith that everything will be OK in the end. It usually is!! Hoping to take the last few days here to relax and walk on the beach, say good bye to the dolphins. Then looking forward to seeing the sheep and heather on the Yorkshire moors!!! And where is that nice room temperature Guiness!!!