Pension Confusion

SurgicalA

So I’m asking on behalf of somebody else:

I was born in South Africa (he might have said Zimbabwe, not sure) and worked there for 15-20 years.

I then moved to the UK and have been working another 15 years and have paid into a pension.

When I retire, am I entitled to my overseas state pension, the uk state pension, and my own pension?

atush

You are entitled to any pensions you qualify for.

Cant say for your SA pension, but uK pension needs a min of 10 years contributions which you have. would asume SA is the same or better.

Then there is any employer pensions you have (ie private not state).

You need to ask each pension administrator for online access or for an annual statement. Check any requirments for claiming if living outside the country of accumulation. And check the ages you can claim each.

SurgicalA

Hi there, when you say pension administrator, do you mean pension support for SA? Sorry I’m stupid when it comes to this!

JoeCrystal

SurgicalA wrote: »

Hi there, when you say pension administrator, do you mean pension support for SA? Sorry I’m stupid when it comes to this!

No. atush meant the pension administrators for whatever private sector or public sector employer's pension schemes you contribute into in this country.

As for South Africa pension schemes, I thought it sound interesting so I took a look at it, and it is rather complicated, unfortunately. You would need to do the real legwork to find out what is possible to claim on South Africa pension schemes. But the Old Age Pension scheme in South Africa is means-tested so that it will get paid regardless of the contribution records, but the amount depends on your situation as I understand (The maximum grant is R1 780 per month or £93 per month) To qualify, you must:

be a South African citizen or permanent resident
live in South Africa
not receive any other social grant for yourself
not be cared for in a state institution
Not earn more than R78 120 (£4,082) if you are single or R 156 240 (£8,165) if married (Both spouses are included within the test).
Not have assets worth more than R1 115 400 if you are single or R2 230 800 if you are married.

So basically, as you are in the UK, you would not be able to claim the state pension from South Africa. As for occupational pensions in South Africa, well, there is another problem entirely. Still, you are going have to remember if you ever contribute into one while in South Africa and chase this up with the employer/retirement fund provider.

LHW99

Assuming Joe is talking of details for the Republic of SouthAfrica if its actually Zimbabwe that may be a whole different ball game.

Marcon

SurgicalA wrote: »

I was born in South Africa (he might have said Zimbabwe, not sure) and worked there for 15-20 years.

Please check - different answer for different country.

SurgicalA

Ok he worked in Zimbabwe for 15 years.

Does that help?

Marcon

SurgicalA wrote: »

Ok he worked in Zimbabwe for 15 years.

Does that help?

Starting point is https://www.gov.uk/international-pension-centre

Your friend needs to enquire about moving his Zimbabwe benefits to the UK. I wouldn't get too optimistic about what might happen, though. See https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-49317593