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Neglected paperwork could result in expats losing their state pension
| Published: | 26 Mar at 12 PM |
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Pensioners from the UK who live abroad need to keep up to date with their paperwork or they will risk losing their state pension. Expats over the age of 75 regularly receive forms sent by the Department of Work and Pensions, requesting proof that they are still alive. They only have nine months to complete these forms and return them. If the deadline is missed then the government cuts off their pensions as they are assumed to have passed away.
In December 2013, these forms were introduced to prevent people from fraudulently trying to claim the pensions of diseased expats. At the time, the government said that this would stop $45 million being claimed illegally.
Some countries such as Australia, Spain, New Zealand and the US provide this information to the UK, which makes the forms unnecessary. However in many other countries, including France, they do not pass on this information, so if you are an expat over the age of 75 you will need to make sure that the UK government knows that you are still alive.
The forms, which are sent out every couple of years, need to be signed along with a lawyer or doctor as a witness. Those living in high-risk countries will be required to complete their forms more often.
In December 2013, these forms were introduced to prevent people from fraudulently trying to claim the pensions of diseased expats. At the time, the government said that this would stop $45 million being claimed illegally.
Some countries such as Australia, Spain, New Zealand and the US provide this information to the UK, which makes the forms unnecessary. However in many other countries, including France, they do not pass on this information, so if you are an expat over the age of 75 you will need to make sure that the UK government knows that you are still alive.
The forms, which are sent out every couple of years, need to be signed along with a lawyer or doctor as a witness. Those living in high-risk countries will be required to complete their forms more often.
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