deferred abbey life pension

littlerock

I have an Abbey Life personal pension, from the years when I was self employed, which is deferred. As its fulfilment date is approaching, around ten days ago I wrote to them deferring it for another year. This crossed with a letter telling me if I did not issue them with instructions to defer it, I would be given an annuity without the option. The letter said I could defer by phone or letter.

As it is now over a week later and no confirmation of deferment has arrived, this morning I phoned them to confirm that they had received my letter and had deferred it. Having given them my name, age, address and policy number, I asked if they had sent out the deferment letter yet. I was told I could not be given this information unless I also supplied a current social security number.

I pointed out I was retired and do not keep this in my head, nor was it on the letter they sent me. So she asked me to give the name of my employer. I pointed out again that it was a personal pension because I was self employed and it was currently deferred and I did not have a current employer because I was retired.

She then said that their security procedures meant she could not speak to me unless I also supplied a current social security number. I mean !!!!!!.

dunstonh

Phone them again and speak to someone else. If that fails, make a complaint.

xylophone

Do they mean your National Insurance number?

Surely you know what it is?