Pension help

[helpwithhouse]

Does anyone have any idea about this?
I used to be a HCP and paid into my pension for years. Around 5 years ago I left the job. I’ve moved around a lot (military husband). Now I’m settled what happens with that pension? Do I just get it when I’m at the correct age (even though in the grand scheme of things it won’t be a lot). How do I find out what’s in it (I worked for 3 different NHS trusts during my career).
I’m just wondering about any future jobs. Will I just have 2 separate pension pots. I have no idea about how I would claim the NHS one

Thanks

I retired from the pensions industry 5 years ago, so certain details of what I have to say may no longer be correct. Subject to that, you will have qualified for a preserved pension from whatever age was applicable when you joined the scheme. You should have been informed of your entitlement when changing jobs, but maybe you didn’t understand the information you were given or you just lost it along with all the other pieces of paper that inevitably become lost around the house.

There is a free pensions tracing service - google it - who, if you can give them some basic details of your employer and maybe the name of the scheme of which you were a member, can put you back in touch with your ‘lost’ pension scheme and you can take it from there.

When you have identified all your entitlements, you could consider tipping them all into one arrangement, but specialist advice would be needed before you do that as there are a number of pitfalls for the unwary. Otherwise, if your former pension schemes continue to have your current contact details, you will have more than one pension (I have four) and they should contact you a few months before your pensions become payable. You can then inform them where you would like it paid and exercise any options that may apply in relation to your benefits.

I would advise you to keep a careful watch on your pensions. Retirement comes round quicker than you think and you’ll be glad you did when you make the transition smoothly from salary to pension.

Thank you.
I’m worried that because Were a military family (and therefore have changed address) that I’ll just get lost.
Thank you. I’ll look in to that x

Untraceable members cause pension schemes many unnecessary headaches. They have an obligation to pay members their due entitlements and they don’t want to waste time trying to trace lost members. I would google NHS Pensions or something similar and you are bound to find an address or website where you can re-establish contact with the scheme administrators. Failing that, there is the tracing service I mentioned earlier. Thereafter, it’s just a matter of ensuring that they have your correct contact details. Good luck!

I work in the pension industry.

Please, if any of you are worried about your pensions then please contact Pension Wise! They would be able to assist you and provide you with suggestions if you are worried about your future. I've seen a lot of people who are only being quoted £150 per month and, alone, it is not enough to live on unless you have a job, savings or caring family members.

Alternatively you could contact a financial advisor if you don't understand your pension.

You can even contact the administration of your pension scheme and they can answer any questions you have about the scheme and your specific benefits. Please have your national insurance number present because it helps the administrator find your record quicker and more accurately. Just note they cannot legally provide financial advice.

There are pension tracing services you can contact if you don't know if you have a pension somewhere.