1,000 letters axing pensions sent in error

The letter stated that the recipient had not returned a ‘Life Certificate’ form to continue receiving their money when, in fact, they had.

This form is sent every two years to pensioners aged 75 or over and sporadically to younger ones to confirm they are still alive. It must be signed by someone working in or retired from a respected profession. Often in France this is completed by the mairie.

After being contacted by Connexion, the DWP found that, due to ‘an administrative error’ about 1,000 such letters had been sent.

“We apologise for this. The error has now been resolved,” a spokesman said. “No payments were stopped during this process.”

The DWP left unanswered further questions about the issue – including steps it is taking to contact affected pensioners.

A number of readers who received the letter contacted our office. One, who described the “considerable hardship that would result by the action of annulling my pension”, said he was told the helpline had been ‘inundated’ with calls from France.

“It is unfortunate that the inefficiency of the pensions office is the cause of this, but even more so is the fact that their automatic default position is to cancel a pension if there is any doubt. Surely an email could have been sent?” he said.

Another added: “I, like many other expats who have their pensions paid in euros directly to their French bank, rely on this money to pay bills and I have a large electricity bill due.

“I may now have to transfer other funds into my current account if the pension does not arrive. The arrogance of the pension service is beyond belief.”

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