old pension fund with WINDSOR-LIFE

pimpmyhide

Whatever you do, please beware of Windsor-life, Many years ago, I put some money into a pension fund, but unfortunately I didn't keep it up. Recently, Windsor-Life took over that company. Since the end of January 2008, I have been trying to get whatever I am entitled to back. They have even agreed that they owe me money, even agreed how much, but since then there has been no cheque. I have complained endlessly, even sent a recorded delivery strong letter, but now I don't even get replies. There are numerous complaints against them with all the governing bodies a mile long. I can only take it that they are GOING BUST. If they don't like what I have just typed, they can always sue me in open court, which I will welcome. I complained to the Ombudsman, but then Windsor-Life said that they would sort all this out within two weeks, so I cancelled the Ombudsman believing their lies. They never return my calls, so now it looks like I will have to take them to the small claims court. I told them that I am very ill, on State sickness benefit, and need the money asap for obvious reasons. What do I get? The runaround. Is there anybody else with a similar problem with this CRAPPY COMPANYplease.:mad: :mad:

PS: Martin, you are a genious. By the way folks, I highly recommend Max Secure Spyware Detector and Registry Cleaner, it's the dog's doodahs. It found over 2,000 incursion after I gave up with Ad-Aware, and Spybot.

EdInvestor

pimpmyhide wrote: »

Whatever you do, please beware of Windsor-life, Many years ago, I put some money into a pension fund, but unfortunately I didn't keep it up. Recently, Windsor-Life took over that company. Since the end of January 2008, I have been trying to get whatever I am entitled to back. They have even agreed that they owe me money, even agreed how much, but since then there has been no cheque.

You can't get money out of a pension fund until you are at least 50 (going up to 55) and then you can only get 25%, the rest must be used to pay an income.All you can do is transfer it to another pension provider.

mattcook76

There have been numerous issues with the admin from Windsor life. Unfortunately you have to just keep digging. One option is to see a financial adviser (tied or independent) who will do pension transfers. you may find that they do the digging for you.

also complain again to the ombudsman.

good luck.

dunstonh

One option is to see a financial adviser (tied or independent) who will do pension transfers.

Most tied agents cant do pension transfers and the few that can you wouldnt want to use anyway. Why tie yourself to one provider and use a salesforce? Thats they worst way to get advice as well as typically being the most expensive.

The few tied salesforces that do pension transfers really ought not be allowed to do so. When you consider the FSA's recent paper on pension transfers, tied agents just dont have the remit to be compliant if you use the FSAs comments as being what they are after.

Hammy300

I know it's the same old story, but PLEASE avoid dealing with Windsor Life if you want to get any money from them before you pass away. I was due my lump sum and annuity on 28th June 2008................................still waiting! After complaints, letters, phone calls I eventually got what I thought was closure. All they had to do was pay me MY money. That was Dec 11th. Won't somebody, anybody in WINDSOR LIFE please, PLEASE press that button and pay me MY money.

dunstonh

Is there an issue that is holding up payment (such as transfer certificate)? If there isnt then surely you would be putting in a formal complaint by now?

brianrhill

Hammy300 wrote: »

I know it's the same old story, but PLEASE avoid dealing with Windsor Life if you want to get any money from them before you pass away. I was due my lump sum and annuity on 28th June 2008................................still waiting! After complaints, letters, phone calls I eventually got what I thought was closure. All they had to do was pay me MY money. That was Dec 11th. Won't somebody, anybody in WINDSOR LIFE please, PLEASE press that button and pay me MY money.

You can't really avoid dealing with them if they have your pension pot. Often the pension company the funds are being transferred to are very helpful.

Pre 'A' Day scheme members can sometimes have a higher than 25% tax free cash lump sum entitlement, which can be lost if you're not careful.

As such, it's iomportant to take professional, independent advice which, shock-horror , you may have to pay for!

Brian :rotfl:

satellina

When is pre A day please?

dunstonh

6th April 2006 was A day. Pension rules changed signficantly on that day. Some plans taken out prior to that date have retained benefits which could exceed (or be worse) than post A day versions.

satellina

Thanks for that info.

Hammy300

Thanks dunstonh for interest - and no there's nothing holding up payment other than Windsor Life themselves. I have been through the complaints proceedure with them over a couple of issues which have taken forever to resolve, but what is so infuriating is the length of time everything takes. Every letter takes 2 weeks to get a 'it's receiving attention' reply. It's amazing how many letters never got to me so needed a phone call and a 'second' letter. Then once they finally received my instructions (by recorded delivery needless to say) on Dec 11 (bearing in mind I asked for my money to be paid from 28th June) and told me it takes up to 20 working days to implement, I thought I was home and dry. Well hello 2009, and nothing's changed. Today's phone call met with 'it's receiving attention'. If I go into a bank and ask for my money they don't say 'come back in 6 months while we think about it.'
I bet you're glad you asked now, aren't you?