Emigrating...what to do with works pension?

Claudie

I am looking for some general advice please.

Myself and my OH are planning to emigrate to Canada next year and are getting started with the formalities.

I worked full time for a large company for several years and had a final salary pension scheme...I left that company last year and now work pt for a Housing Association and pay into the HA Pensions Trust which also has a final salary scheme.

Before we decided to move, I made enquiries into bringing my previous contributions into the HA scheme - I was told there is roughly £12k in the pot. If I move this into the HA scheme it will give me an additional 6 years bought time. If I don't transfer it across, when we emigrate I will be entitled to leave the HA scheme and take my 20 months worth of contributions out of the scheme.

Both plans are final salary but I was on a higher salary with my previous employer. Should I put all contributions into the HA pension and claim from there in 20 years or claim from the other firm in 20 years?

Any advice welcome and appreciated.

Cook_County

You need joint UK/Canadian advice on such things as immigrant trusts. Failure to do so could be costly, so I doubt any UK IFA would give advice without a Canadian partner.

Claudie

Thanks Cook - at the seminar we found loads of contacts - plenty of money people but more cash agents like Travelex than IFA's. I will keep looking for the right person. Thanks again.