State Pension

[uncletom6]

My friends state pension has been reduced by £200 per month. She has tried to phone DWP but no answer just an automated 'if your pension has been reduced we will be in touch in due course). Can this be right?

[jennyjoan]

she needs to ring them - she needs to know why

[ubasses]

I don't know uncletom, it was just one idea I could think of to put to you. As some of said I am afraid she is going to have to stick it out listening to music on the 0800 number to find out.

Danny, technically it was was voluntary, but most Employers with a pension scheme contracted out then gave the employee the hassle of completing the paperwork to stay in. Made it much easier for the Company, if where I worked is anything to go by everybody just accepted it.

[uncletom6]

Thanks. The automated reply just says wait to hear from them, then says it is now disconnecting the call. Very frustrating.

[dannyk13]

Another number to try -
Call the DWP customer service number 0800 055 6688

[uncletom6]

Thanks Danny

[237SJ]

Has she got a Government gateway account? It might be clearer on there.

[uncletom6]

Yes she does have, she's going to check it out. Thank you.

[uncletom6]

mmm she did live in spain for about 9 months last year

[Buenchico]

>>> "Never been contracted out. She does have a private NHS pension".

That's got me wondering though. Anyone who worked for the NHS between 6 April 1978 and 5 April 1997 will have been contracted out of SERPS during that time, it seems:
https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/pensioner-hub/guaranteed-minimum-pension-gmp

Perhaps that's the reason for the current problem?

[barry1010]

"If you reached (or will reach) your state pension age after 6 April 2016, then you’ll be eligible to receive the ‘new state pension’ instead. Again, the amount you receive may be lower if you were ever contracted out. (Note that contracting out was no longer possible after 6 April 2012 except for some final salary schemes)."

https://www.unbiased.co.uk/life/pensions-retirement/what-is-a-serps-pension

[bobbinwales]

Yes the new pension amount may well be right but that makes me wonder why it was higher before. Its hard to believe they didnt write to inform her