Ex employer wants me to visit them every 2 years.

[BRIAN58]

I used to work in London and I took redundancy / early retirement nearly 5 years age.

Under the terms of my retirement pension my ex employers state they have the right to visit me periodically to check I am still alive which I think is reasonable as they have continued to pay a few pensiond not knowing the person has passed away.

Up until now I have had one confirmation that I am still living form to be completed by a professional person and I have had it completed by a teacher and returned it by post to my ex employer and the pension has continued to be paid.

Suddenly I have received a letter stating that in future I will have to visit them in London every 2 years at my own expense so they can confirm I am entitled to the pension.

As I live over 200 miles from London this will be expensive and if I live to say 100 I might not be capable of travelling to London then.

I have offered to have a telephone interview and they could see me on a web cam if required.

Do I have to comply with these onerous terms for my ex employer to be obliged by law to pay my pension.

Brian

[Panic Button]

I think that perhaps it is worth you discussing it with your local Citizens Advice Bureau.

[themas]

It certainly seems unreasonable. Either go to CAB or contact the Pensions Advisory Service:

http://www.pensionsadvisoryservice.org.uk/cont act_tpas/

There is apparently a need for pension schemes to have a formal complaints procedure, and you can go to an Ombudsman if not satisfied with the result. They can advise you on this.

[buildersmate]

Agree with Themas - I think that this is bizarre and worth challenging.
My aged grandfather used to receive written requests from the pension trustees every 2 years requiring a signature to confirm he was still living, well into his 90s. But requiring visits seems inappropriate.

[sara3]

why don't you suggest they visit you? they should at least be paying your expenses.

it sounds bizarre to me, and I would challenge it.