Understanding My Mother’s Family Pension Not Credited for August 2019
My parent's pension issues can often seem complex and confounding, especially when it comes to understanding if and how a pension is credited based on the country of residence and specific social security agreements in place. This article aims to clarify the various scenarios involving my mother’s family pension, specifically focusing on the reasons behind non-credit for August 2019.
Overview of Social Security Agreements
Whether a family pension from the UK is credited in another country depends significantly on the specific social security agreements in place between the UK and other countries. These agreements are designed to maintain the entitlement to social security benefits when individuals move to live in another signatory country.
This article will break down the scenarios my mother's pension might face based on different countries, including EEA countries, countries with reciprocal agreements, and those without such agreements.
Entitlement in EEA Countries, Gibraltar, or Switzerland
Citizens of European Economic Area (EEA) countries, Gibraltar, or Switzerland who are entitled to a social security benefit or pension will keep their entitlement if they move between these countries. Typically, if your mother lives in one of these countries and receives a UK State Pension, she will usually receive an increase annually, reflecting the cost of living adjustments in her home country. Therefore, if the pension was not credited for August 2019, this might need to be addressed with the relevant authorities.
countries with Bilateral Agreements
The UK has bilateral agreements with several other countries to protect the social security rights of workers moving between nations. These countries include:
Barbados Bermuda Bosnia-Herzegovina Jersey Guernsey The Isle of Man Israel Jamaica Kosovo Macedonia Mauritius Montenegro The Philippines Serbia Turkey USAFor these countries, if your mother lives in one of them and receives a UK State Pension, she will usually get an increase in her pension each year, provided she meets the eligibility criteria and the agreement is in full effect.
Non-crediting Scenarios
For countries not part of the EEA, the UK, or covered by a bilateral agreement, the situation can vary significantly. If your mother lives in any of the following countries, she may not receive any annual increases to her UK State Pension:
Canada New ZealandIn these cases, if the pension is credited at all, it is typically only for a fixed period while residing outside the UK. It is important to note that certain jurisdictions may have specific rules and exceptions, which means a detailed review of these policies is necessary.
Conclusion
Understanding the complexities of pension credit across different countries can be challenging, but it is crucial for ensuring that individuals receive the correct benefits. If the pension was not credited for August 2019, it is advisable to review the specific agreement between your mother’s country of residence and the UK, or consult with the relevant government agency or pension provider for clarification and potentially resolving the issue.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What if my mother was living in a non-credible country but later moved to one with a social security agreement?
A: In such cases, your mother's pension should be reviewed to ensure any arrears are credited, and future increases are processed based on the new agreement once residency is established.
Q: Can I file a complaint if the pension was not credited?
A: Yes, you can file a complaint with the relevant government agency or through the pension provider. Detailed records and documentation will be necessary to support your claim.
Q: How do I know if a country has a social security agreement with the UK?
A: You can check the government website or contact the relevant department to find out the current social security agreements in place.