To: Dept of Works and Pensions
The Opt Out Cop Out
Change the pension rules for those who contracted out so they can buy back the years of lower contributions.
Why is this important?
People who "contracted out" will receive less than the new full basic pension from April 2016. The Government claims they paid less into the system during their contracted out years and that money will give them a private pension.
This is unfair in several ways.
Annuities are so low that some people will receive less Private pension provision than the amount being deducted by the DWP.
Many of those who contracted out were forced to do so by their employers, but the understanding at the time was that it would not affect their basic final pension.
Many have paid more years of NI than is required - 18 years in my case. I paid 11 more years than the seven when I was contracted out. Yet my pension will be reduced because, according to the DWP "I paid in less so I will receive less." This is unfair and untrue.
The DWP refuses to allow those who contracted out to make up the difference now in order to receive the new basic pension.
This is unfair in several ways.
Annuities are so low that some people will receive less Private pension provision than the amount being deducted by the DWP.
Many of those who contracted out were forced to do so by their employers, but the understanding at the time was that it would not affect their basic final pension.
Many have paid more years of NI than is required - 18 years in my case. I paid 11 more years than the seven when I was contracted out. Yet my pension will be reduced because, according to the DWP "I paid in less so I will receive less." This is unfair and untrue.
The DWP refuses to allow those who contracted out to make up the difference now in order to receive the new basic pension.
