Civil Service Pension - Transfer problems

whitehartal

I recently left the Civil Service. I was there less than 6 months, so I did not qualify for the pension. A couple of months ago they sent me a letter telling me I could either have the money back that I had put in, OR a much bigger sum transferred to another pension. I opted to transfer the bigger sum. My personal pension provider (Scottish Widows) have tried to get in touch with the Civil Service pension scheme administrators to initiate the transfer on several occasions, but they are not responding. I have tried to contact them myself, but they are not responding to me either. I know there is a time limit to do this transfer...so what can I do? 

Is it just a case of send a complaint and then follow up with the Pensions Ombudsman?

GunJack

Get on the phone, don't rely on emails. Number's on the MyCSP website, and be prepared to ask to speak to a manager 

whitehartal

0300 123 66 66???
0300 123 10 40???

Tried them...they just don't answer. Sat waiting on the line for over an hour last week...not even an indication that I'm in a queue.

Marcon

whitehartal said:

I recently left the Civil Service. I was there less than 6 months, so I did not qualify for the pension. A couple of months ago they sent me a letter telling me I could either have the money back that I had put in, OR a much bigger sum transferred to another pension. I opted to transfer the bigger sum. My personal pension provider (Scottish Widows) have tried to get in touch with the Civil Service pension scheme administrators to initiate the transfer on several occasions, but they are not responding. I have tried to contact them myself, but they are not responding to me either. I know there is a time limit to do this transfer...so what can I do? 

Is it just a case of send a complaint and then follow up with the Pensions Ombudsman?

How recently is 'recently'?

whitehartal

Early December. Received the letter at the beginning of March.

Marcon

whitehartal said:

Early December. Received the letter at the beginning of March.

So you've done your bit and acted promptly. Well done!

You are not alone: https://inews.co.uk/inews-lifestyle/money/pensions-and-retirement/over-year-had-second-job-transfer-pension-3090348?srsltid=AfmBOooO2WT_sOMWk5dRbMkUqbw_C6sb1Hb4Q3-TqKgynDKIyw0tRlQq


If you have clear evidence that you have endeavoured to get the transfer paid (ie you are sure SW has set the wheels in motion by contacting CS), and subsequent delays are down to the shortcomings of CS pensions administration, then the answer is one all too common in pensions: wait. There's absolutely no point making formal complaints or anything else and driving yourself nuts with frustration in the process.

whitehartal

Really interesting read - thank you.

OldBeanz

you can email them contactcentre@mycsp.co.uk

whitehartal

OldBeanz said:

you can email them contactcentre@mycsp.co.uk

Thanks. I tried that, and I got no response. I also tried portal@mycsp.co.uk, but to no avail.

The good news is that I managed to get through to them today on their "International" number - 01903 835 600.

Hopefully they can start the ball rolling now...but I won't hold my breath!!