How does being sacked affect your pension

[MADJACK24]

I worked for the Royal Mail for 20 years plus - I was dismissed for non attendance.

I turned 55 in August this year and I am still awaiting for my pension. They are saying because I was sacked it takes longer to come through and will receive my pension monthly instead of receiving a lump sum. Is this correct??

[NorthernBoy]

Have you had anything in writing to say that your pension terms have changed because of the dismissal.

If you haven’t I would be on the phone to them tomorrow saying you want an explanation in writing immediately otherwise you will be putting in a complaint. You need to speak to someone higher up and demand more info. It’s possible someone of the phone may have given you the wrong info.

My opinion is that for your type of dismissal I would be very surprised if you can’t take a lump sum because of this

Perhaps if someone from the union is reading this they can provide you with more definitive information

[RobertT]

I worked for the Royal Mail for 20 years plus - I was dismissed for non attendance.

I turned 55 in August this year and I am still awaiting for my pension. They are saying because I was sacked it takes longer to come through and will receive my pension monthly instead of receiving a lump sum. Is this correct??

When did you work for RM? It sounds like you might have benefits via both RMSPS and RMPP?
If so, are you in touch with both?

The RMSPS in particular are slow in dealing with pension requests, and they tend to give preference to those taking their benefits at normal retirement age,

I can't give you a definitive answer to your question, but I'd be surprised if you can't take a lump sum just because you were sacked for the reason given.

However, the maximum lump sum anyone can take is usually 25% of pot value and the rest as monthly income for life.