Lost Year's Pension Rights

[chrissa1]

When I first claimed my Teacher's Pension back in 2011 I didn't claim for a year's teaching I did when we lived in Northern Ireland back in the 80's. At the time I claimed my husband had just died, I'd just become eligible to claim and was going through financial worries, which ultimately caused me to lose our home of 22 years.

After about 5 months and I'd moved out into a rented property, I realised that I had forgotten about the year in NI and rang the Education Board in Belfast. They confirmed that I could prove my year's employment over there.

I was then told that because I hadn't included it in my original pension claim, it was too late to include it in my entitlement and that, that year's contribution was not able to be counted.

I've been mulling this over since that time and was wondering if I could go to the Pension's Ombudsman for a ruling, either way. Any thoughts would be gratefully received.

[Buenchico]

The Ombudsman won't get involved unless you've already been through the TP complaints procedure, so start here:
https://www.teacherspensions.co.uk/public/contact-us/member-complaints-and-appeals.aspx

If you get nowhere with that then, indeed, complain to the Ombudsman:
https://www.pensions-ombudsman.org.uk/

Remember that your complaint, and the Ombudsman's response to it, will be in the public domain, as with this example (where the Ombudsman ruled in favour of someone who had complained about TP):
https://www.pensions-ombudsman.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/PO-4650.pdf

[chrissa1]

Thanks, Chris. I don't mind it being in the public domain. We are not talking about a great deal of money here but, every little bit helps.

I'll go through the steps you advise. Thank you.

[fiction-factory]

Have you asked whether you can claim it as a separate pension?

[chrissa1]

Good point, ff. As far as I can remember the man in NI told me that it would/should be included in the overall TP umbrella.

I'll check that out if needs be. Thanks.

I've sent in my complaint via the TP website so I'll wait to hear back in about, 10 days.