Civil Service Pension

sezzybear

My civil service pension Is due to start in March. I worked for the Department for Employment for a number of years, leaving in 1993. 

CSP (the pension provider) wrote to me last November to invite me to apply for the pension which I did. Over the years they have sent me regular pension statements showing how much I am due to receive.

CSP have today sent me an email saying that their system is now showing no pensionable service for me and so I cannot have my pension. 

They have advised me to contact my former employer, the Department for Employment, and that I have to ask that Department to provide correct pension information to CSP. 

The trouble is, the Department for Employment has not existed for quite a few years now. I tried contacting DWP, but the person that I spoke to could find no useful information.

I wondered/hoped if anyone on the Forum knows which organisation is dealing with the pension arrangements for former employees of the Department of Employment and ideally contact details for that organisation. I know it’s a big ask but at the moment I’m at my wits end. The Pension Tracing Service just referred me back to CSP. And CSP say they can do nothing more until they hear from the former employer. 

DE_612183

have you logged onto CSP to see what it says there?

sezzybear

As I am a deferred member I was told by CSP that I don’t have any access to MyCSP. 

BoGoF

What is the last annual benefit statement you have? Hopefully you have retained them?

sezzybear

It was sent in September 2923. Yes I’ve got all the statements 

sezzybear

Oops 2023! And they’re actually called Benefit Statements and I only get them when I request them, not annually automatically. 

BoGoF

At least you have some evidence. Have you given them the member number as shown on the ABS to help track it down.

If still no joy I'd be writing to my MP. I think MyCSP do try and verify service with the department you worked for but if it's a now defunct one then surely they have a process and can't just deny you your pension.

sezzybear

Yes. They could find me and said I was a deferred member but that their system is now showing no pensionable service although at last September it was showing plenty of years’ service. They said I have to contact my former employer (even though they don’t exist any more) and get the former employer to contact CSP to give them the correct pensionable service.
That’s why I need to find the organisation who has taken over responsibility for dealing with former employees of the Department for Employment. 

BoGoF

sezzybear said:

Yes. They could find me and said I was a deferred member but that their system is now showing no pensionable service although at last September it was showing plenty of years’ service. They said I have to contact my former employer (even though they don’t exist any more) and get the former employer to contact CSP to give them the correct pensionable service.
That’s why I need to find the organisation who has taken over responsibility for dealing with former employees of the Department for Employment. 

I would argue that's not your job ans would go down the MP route.

Ganga

How many years did you work for them ? 

sezzybear

7 years until 1993.