Loss of pension contributions

jimb0

Over the last 10 years I have changed jobs frequently between contract and permanent roles and have paid very little attention to retirement saving. Now in my mid thirties I am looking to see if there is anything to be done other than save up for a visit to Dignitas.

I have been in permie jobs with pensions for about 4 years over that period which would have had around 10% contribution from the employer (I think). Vagueness on my part means I never attempted to transfer them and I seem to remember some correspondence suggesting that I would essentially lose the employer contributions if I didn't act within a certain time frame and something would be paid to the government to make up for the contracted out period.

With several years lapsed and a change of attitude is there anything I can now do (other than punch myself in the face...)?

I am going to go through my paperwork from the time: what should I be looking for?

atush

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Pensionsandretirementplanning/Companyandpersonalpensions/DG_10027189

jimb0

Thanks.

Can anyone elucidate on possible time limits on transfer and the repayment of (presumably reduced while contracted out) NI? Also, can the employer take back their contributions?

atush

It depends on your contract, but some employers can tell you to transfer a pesnion if you have left before 2 years are up- and if you take the cash, they take back their contribs and the tax relief. But they can't take them back if they didn't tell you at the time. If you were there for longer, these old pensions should be sitting there hopefully growing.

If they did tell you, and you ignored them they could have refunded your contribs but you should have received this payment near the time you left.

contact DWP for a pesnion forcast to see what happened with your contribs, esp the S2P.