Originally Posted by alba1 (Post 7994418)

is anyone having problems with the international pension service? I feel that I am on a merry-go-round. I have applied for a UK pension and have received so many different and incorrect answers from the pension service that my head is spinning.
When I initially inquired, I was told I was not eligible at all as I did not work for the required time. I accepted this. Then I found out that I could use my US contributions and/or pay voluntary contributions so determined to apply.
Now I find that the time span for voluntary contributions has expired. I am so mad because if I had been informed correctly I would have paid VC.
I have sent in documents which cannot be found even though the US Post office tracking system says delivered. I also sent a letter of complaint. Once again registered mail and delivered but no one can find it. This is all very discouraging. I am not looking for something for nothing.
These are not large amounts but as I am hoping to return to UK with few assets and do not plan on claiming extra benefits, every little bit will help.

Originally Posted by Adelia (Post 7999533)

Hi alba1,

It took the DWP 4 months to sort out my pension. I had to request 2 revisions as they got it wrong twice before finally arriving at the correct figure. I was in Australia so I can't help you with respect to your entitlements. Australia had a reciprocal agreement with the UK up until 2001 and I'm not sure what the situation is with the US.

I've heard of many peolple having problems with the DWP. I think they have a very poor system. You hardly ever communicate with the same person twice, and instead of writing and answering your questions, they often just send you a form. I think you have to be persistent.

All the best and don't give up,

Adelia

Originally Posted by Adelia (Post 7999533)

Hi alba1,

It took the DWP 4 months to sort out my pension. I had to request 2 revisions as they got it wrong twice before finally arriving at the correct figure. I was in Australia so I can't help you with respect to your entitlements. Australia had a reciprocal agreement with the UK up until 2001 and I'm not sure what the situation is with the US.

I've heard of many peolple having problems with the DWP. I think they have a very poor system. You hardly ever communicate with the same person twice, and instead of writing and answering your questions, they often just send you a form. I think you have to be persistent.

All the best and don't give up,
Adelia

Originally Posted by Boodles (Post 8000450)

Alba1, don't hold your breath waiting for a letter, I have just read, online, that the UK Postal Union has voted for an all out strike.

Originally Posted by BristolUK (Post 8000757)

Don't know if a postal strike would necessarily delay things. DWP and Civil Service Pension letters have been arriving here via France or Sweden. They may use a courier rather than Royal Mail.

Originally Posted by alba1 (Post 7995283)

The closer I get to full retirement $80-$100 month looks like more and more. Yes, I will receive a US pension but who can live on pensions alone without substantial
private funds and/or savings. After the downturns of the last 3 years looks like I will not have any or much of these. As a single I have only myself to rely on.
Work in UK may be out of question even though I would be willing.

Originally Posted by nun (Post 8003888)

Have you though of using your small number of UK NI payments to top up you're US payments? That way you'd get some credit for them and a slightly larger US SS payment.

Look on the bright side US social security is a better benefit than the UK state pension anyway. How many years of US SS payments do you have? have you obtained a payment projection from the SS Administration.

There are a number of good booklets available on this subject and it's important to check up on the rules every so often. I've been in the US for over 20 years and have been doing Class3 and then Class 2 payments for all that time. In fact the pension service told be a few years ago that I will be able to stop payments when I get to 30 years worth, but won't be eligible for a UK pension until I'm 66.

Originally Posted by alba1 (Post 8003951)

yes, I checked into both ways.

Originally Posted by nun (Post 8004141)

So use the UK payments to top up the US SS. The only thing you will have missed out on is paying UK voluntary contributions. Many people are glad that they don't have to continue NI when they leave the country. You'll get a pension that is probably more than most UK residents based on your US SS.

Originally Posted by Mummy in the foothills (Post 8004174)

Depending on exchange rates, it may not be such a great thing, or a wonderful thing :lol:

Originally Posted by nun (Post 8004196)

The dollar would have to really collapse.

Originally Posted by nun (Post 8004196)

The dollar would have to really collapse. Basic UK pension is now 95 pounds a week. I have 15 years of US SS contributions and my projected pension at 62 is already $250 a week. Using $1.6/pound that's 156 pounds/week. Of course my US SS is based on my earnings and I haven't included the UK supplementary pension as I don't get that.

Originally Posted by Mummy in the foothills (Post 8004383)

Are you sure you are reading that right.
I just pulled my forecast out, after close to 20 years (a few 0 income years in there having babies) I am forecast to receive $275 a MONTH.
I'm hoping to add my years to the UK pension just to make it up a bit.
We should be OK, Dh's US forecast is over $1,000 a month Plus his teamster pension.