Pension Credit - Intention to live abroad

richard47

On reaching state retirement age in March, I decided that it was time to leave the UK, and go to live abroad outside the EU.

I receive full state pension and have a small annuity, which qualified me for the Savings element of Pension Credit. Thinking that I was being helpful by giving plenty of notice, I wrote to the Pension Service on the 6th August, to inform them that I would be leaving the country on 26th September. Ten days later, when Savings Credit is not paid into my bank, I telephone them to ask why. To my amazement, I am told that once anybody tells the Pension Service that they intend to live abroad, at some time in the future, then all Pension Credit/Savings Credit is cancelled. I asked if this would have been the case if I had given 6 months notice, and was told that these were the rules.

Ok I have lost six weeks Savings Credit, not a great deal of money, but anybody who gets the Guaranteed element of Pension Credit would have lost the best part of £800!! All of a sudden, not quite so funny.

So once again the pensioners get “ripped off,” frozen pension and pound devalued by 32%. Thank you Mr Brown!!

In conclusion, if there is anybody out there who intends to leave the country, do not tell the Pension Service until you have actually made the move, and it is a “fait accompli!”

Cheers - Richard

anmarj

what they have told you is tosh, I work on PC, if you are going to live in another country permanenty then you are paid pension credit until you depart for that country. what the systems does is issue the payment differently until the final payment is made.

richard47

Since 16th August up until the present day, nothing has been sent to my bank. See what happens over the next couple of weeks, then will give them a call.

Cheers - Richard