Teacher's Superannuation Claim

[chrissa1]

Back in 1986 I did a year's teaching in Northern Ireland.

In 2011 I was faced with sorting out my pensions and also with the death of my husband. By the time I had registered and claimed for my small Teacher's Pension, I realised that I had forgotten about the year I taught in NI.

I contacted the DOE over there and they told me that yes, they saw that I had worked there and obviously paid Superannuation there for a year, but that because I did not claim for it at the outset, it was too late to claim it.

Does anyone know if this is right?

It suddenly occurred to me that if I can't get whatever I paid into, included in my overall Pension, could I at least have the money back, in a lump sum. It is after all, my money.

Also, I had to become a member of the NASUWT when I was teaching there. Could they help do you think?

Thank you.

[jno]

well, that's what unions are for, so I'd certainly give them a call.

[chrissa1]

You don't think it's too long ago, jno?

[jno]

well, I'd hope not, as it happened on their watch so to speak; but there are lazy unions. Worth a try, anyway.

[chrissa1]

Mind you. I was only a member for a year and haven't paid any subscriptions since then.

Are they really going to fall over themselves to help me?

[dannyk13]

You have nothing to lose by contacting the union. They may be able to help.

[chrissa1]

This is very true.

[Peter Pedant]

.

happens in the NHS pension - Scotland is different to England and there is only automatic transfer if you work for over a year. Otherwise it festers and you have to claim it.
Not sure about a time-out. Seems unfair - I would appeal if I were you as they is interest in unfair pension schemes

[factor-fiction]

You can get contributions back if you leave within a certain period - used to 2 years I think , or maybe one year- but I thought you had to request it within a certain period. And you only get your contributions back- not the much larger contribution your employer makes, and there is a tax/NI deduction. It's worth checking it with the scheme.

I think for the teachers scheme to pay any benefits you have to have been in for 2 years.

I'm not sure the union will help as you haven't been a member for so long but there's no harm in asking- however they cannot get the scheme rules overridden

[chrissa1]

I will give it a try, next week. Thanks all for your input.