The Post Office Scandal / The Frozen Pension Scandal

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Ray Weatherby

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Jan 18, 2024, 2:38:28 AM1/18/24
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The TV Series about the Post Office Scandal "Mr Bates vs The Post Office" (ITVX) has woken the British government up and motivated it to do something about this awful scandal at long last.  This is a terrific true story dramatisation you can watch if you have a VPN.

Maybe we can leverage off this in some way to get some attention to The Frozen Pension Scandal. The impact is similarly unfair and egregious.  At the least we could refer to the government being found wanting in The Post Office Scandal when writing to our MPs, especially as we now have the right to vote.

In a high inflation environment, frozen pensions are even more devastating. 

Ray

Marcus Wigan

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Jan 18, 2024, 10:41:04 AM1/18/24
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Ray I didn’t think we had the right to vote yet! If we have I’m not certain how to secure my name on the list of my old con wokingham! So any help welcomed and I’ll start writing!
Marc Wigan
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On 18 Jan 2024, at 18:38, Ray Weatherby <ray.we...@gmail.com> wrote:


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bow...@bigpond.net.au

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Jan 18, 2024, 4:06:22 PM1/18/24
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You are now able to Register to vote in UK – it takes about 15 mins via the link below

 

Register to vote - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

 

It was fairly easy. All I needed was 

  • my full name
  • date of birth
  • current address in Australia
  • last address in the UK including postcode and that was easy to find out using the web
  • passport number
  • NI number

Brian

keith millum

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Jan 18, 2024, 10:00:24 PM1/18/24
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Hi, I have been away from England for 40years and I don’t ever remember voting there

 

Do you think I can still register to vote having got all the information required

 

Keith

bow...@bigpond.net.au

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Jan 18, 2024, 10:31:07 PM1/18/24
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Keith

 

In answer to your query – I have been in Australia since 1983 and I recently managed to register for a Vote.

 

Anyway – I think I have registered – I am awaiting confirmation from the system. 

 

Brian

Paul Swain

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Jan 19, 2024, 2:24:48 AM1/19/24
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keith millum wrote on 19/01/2024 9:48 am:

Hi, I have been away from England for 40years and I don’t ever remember voting there

 

Do you think I can still register to vote having got all the information required

Hi Keith!

I'm pretty sure that you will be able to register.

Have a look at the British in Europe campaign information at https://www.britishineurope.org/articles/136295-bie-seasonal-greetings-getting-ready-to-vote-blog-2-faqs as that covers a lot of issues like proving your identity or address.

If you can't find an answer there, let us know and hopefully someone will know the answer.


Paul



Sandi Beaumont

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Jan 20, 2024, 3:01:07 AM1/20/24
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Thank you for letting me know Brian.  Does it apply world wide as I live in Ecuador. 
Thanks again, Sandi 

tan...@smartchat.net.au

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Jan 20, 2024, 5:08:09 AM1/20/24
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Yes everywhere,

Just use the web site and I suggest you have info to hand before you start.


Regards

Tony Walsh 



From: bapa...@googlegroups.com <bapa...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of Sandi Beaumont <wrecke...@gmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, 20 January 2024 12:21 AM
To: bapa...@googlegroups.com <bapa...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: Re: [bapanews] RE: Registering to vote in UK
 

Jill & Ken Willes

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Jan 21, 2024, 12:10:43 AM1/21/24
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I’ve been away from Uk for over 50 years I’ve just registered. It took 48 hours for approval. All very easy 

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On 20 Jan 2024, at 9:08 pm, tan...@smartchat.net.au wrote:



alexander whitehead

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Jan 21, 2024, 12:10:55 AM1/21/24
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would like to vote but too much information to be given over computer  ALEXANDER WHITEHEAD 

Gary Rees

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Jan 21, 2024, 1:02:16 AM1/21/24
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I agree Alexander, tell them nothing.

Also please remember who ever you vote for you’ll end up with a politician and they are all self serving grifters.

As Billy Connolly says, 

“ Don’t vote you’re just encouraging them”

Gary


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On 21 Jan 2024, at 13:11, alexander whitehead <awwhit...@gmail.com> wrote:



Paul Swain

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Jan 21, 2024, 2:49:55 AM1/21/24
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alexander whitehead wrote on 21/01/2024 3:15 pm:

> would like to vote but too much information to be given over computer 
> ALEXANDER WHITEHEAD

Hi Alexander!

There are paper forms if you don't want to use the online system.  You
can download the forms for England, Scotland and Wales at
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/register-to-vote-if-youre-living-in-the-uk


There is also a link there to the form for Northern Island.

You have to send the form to the Electoral Registration Office for your
constituency.  You can find their details at
https://www.gov.uk/contact-electoral-registration-office by entering the
postcode for your previous UK address.


Paul


John Feltham

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Jan 21, 2024, 10:52:50 AM1/21/24
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G'day Paul,

Your message has come through to me, rather than the list.

Have a look at the British in Europe FAQs:  https://www.britishineurope.org/articles/136295-bie-seasonal-greetings-getting-ready-to-vote-blog-2-faqs  


Sorry about Paul.

I have another question.

In early March I will be in the UK for a stay of around two weeks is it worth the hassle of asking the pension people to pay me full pension?

What hoops wouldI have to jump through?

I don’t have a UK bank account. Do I need one?

ooroo   🦘







Paul Swain

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Jan 21, 2024, 11:53:23 AM1/21/24
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'John Feltham' via BAPA wrote on 22/01/2024 1:53 am:

In early March I will be in the UK for a stay of around two weeks is it worth the hassle of asking the pension people to pay me full pension?

What hoops wouldI have to jump through?

I don’t have a UK bank account. Do I need one?

Hi John!

From memory, all you need to do is call the International Pensions Centre close to the time when you are arriving in the UK.  The contact details for the International Pensions Centre are at https://www.gov.uk/international-pension-centre

As it is so easy to do, I'd do it, but it will depend on your own circumstances.

And isn't the money just paid into the account that it is normally paid into?


Anyone in the group with recent experience with this able to comment?


Thanks


Paul


Annie Cory

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Jan 21, 2024, 2:41:56 PM1/21/24
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Yes. That’s how it works. Easy to do. Very polite staff on the phone in UK.   Not sure where you live now. If it’s Australia you also have to tell Centrelink. You can do that online on the MyGov site. 

On 22 Jan 2024, at 02:53, Paul Swain <zapa...@gmail.com> wrote:


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Graeme King

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Jan 21, 2024, 9:20:52 PM1/21/24
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Hi Paul,

I have registered to vote in the UK and my application has been received and I await the registrar's response.
My two daughters were born out of the UK and both are over 21.

Do you know if they would they be eligible to vote as they would be happy to support our cause. Both have held British passports but since becoming adults they didn't renew them.

Any assistance or guidance would be gratefully received. 


Thanks & Regards
Graeme King
Mobile: +62 813 813 78200






Marianne

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Jan 22, 2024, 12:28:25 AM1/22/24
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Yes money is paid into the same account that your pension normally is paid into and yes it’s so very worth it, especially now when the rises have been so good for the non frozen pensioners.  When we went in 2017, I got £80 for just under 3 weeks, imagine what it would be now!!

elle...@gmail.com

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Jan 22, 2024, 12:28:41 AM1/22/24
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Hi John et al


I’d suggest that’s it’s always worthwhile doing – if only for the inconvenience and admin caused. One small way to keep needling the system. The workers must think it’s crazy.

I’ve always heard that it’s pretty easy.

 

Ellen

 

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To: bapa...@googlegroups.com

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alexander whitehead

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Jan 22, 2024, 12:28:55 AM1/22/24
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not worth the hassle  alex

Marianne

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Jan 22, 2024, 12:29:07 AM1/22/24
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You only have to tell Centrelink if you are getting a payment through them ☺️

Jan Harrison

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Jan 22, 2024, 12:30:09 AM1/22/24
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Hi all

I go to UK every year and ring International Pensions Centre when I arrive. They ask for my arrival and departure dates and national insurance number. They don't even want flight numbers just dates. My last visit gave me another £300 spending money as my pension has been frozen since 2014 when I came to Australia. All the best

Jan


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Subject: [bapanews] Visiting the UK

Gary Rees

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Jan 22, 2024, 12:30:28 AM1/22/24
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Hi,

I can answer that, it’s actually quite easy, just a letter and a phone call and I got it done for both  me & my wife.

However I believe you need to be in the UK a minimum of four weeks to qualify.

I will try and find the address later today and post on here.

I’m not sure about the UK account, I have one so it wasn’t a problem but if they do pay you the extra  I’m sure it will go into the normal account.

I’ll get back later

Gary
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On 22 Jan 2024, at 03:42, 'Annie Cory' via BAPA <bapa...@googlegroups.com> wrote:



Adele Stoneley

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Jan 22, 2024, 12:30:41 AM1/22/24
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Yes. It is easy to ring the International Pensions Centre before you leave for UK. I even did it once I got to the UK but they like it beforehand. Just give your dates and they put the money automatically into your existing bank account that they pay your pension into.
So easy
Adele Stoneley 

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On 22 Jan 2024, at 2:53 am, Paul Swain <zapa...@gmail.com> wrote:



vivienne bentley walker

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Jan 22, 2024, 12:30:56 AM1/22/24
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Hi All
We did a trip back to England last July, I rang the international pensions department on
001144 1912187777
Gave them my NI number, entry and exit dates. My pension was increased for that time no hassle at all.
As the uk pension is now 203 pounds per week certainly worth doing.
Kind Regards

Vivienne 

Marcus Wigan

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Jan 22, 2024, 12:31:21 AM1/22/24
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It’s straigjtforward contact the overseas branch and give them the dates and your aus(?) bank account details and your pension will jump up to the current level fir that period 

I’ve done it several times
Marcus
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On 22 Jan 2024, at 06:41, 'Annie Cory' via BAPA <bapa...@googlegroups.com> wrote:



Paul Swain

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Jan 22, 2024, 3:35:54 AM1/22/24
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Graeme King wrote on 22/01/2024 1:20 pm:

I have registered to vote in the UK and my application has been received and I await the registrar's response.
My two daughters were born out of the UK and both are over 21.

Do you know if they would they be eligible to vote as they would be happy to support our cause. Both have held British passports but since becoming adults they didn't renew them.

Hi Graeme!

I've been wondering about this too as I have two family members in a similar situation.  However, I haven't seen anyone comment on this, and I'm not sure how the constituency would be decided.

Would you be able to ask the Electoral Registration Officer when you hear back from them about your own registration?

Thanks


Paul


Paul Swain

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Jan 22, 2024, 3:45:48 AM1/22/24
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Hi Everyone!

Just to pick up on Gary's comment:

However I believe you need to be in the UK a minimum of four weeks to qualify.

my understanding is that 

  • you shouldn't contact the International Pensions Centre any earlier than 4 weeks before you arrive in the UK, but 
  • that there is no minimum stay in the UK.

And great to see that so many people are taking advantage of the temporary uprating and that it is easy to do.


Paul


Graeme King

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Jan 22, 2024, 4:17:22 AM1/22/24
to 'clive walford' via BAPA
Paul,

Thanks I will.
I've seen elsewhere that you are entitled to the vote only if you have lived in the UK.

I'll get back to you if I get a reply.


Thanks & Regards
Graeme King
Mobile: +62 813 813 78200





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John Feltham

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Jan 23, 2024, 10:51:34 AM1/23/24
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G'day Folks,

On 22 Jan 2024, at 6:35 pm, Paul Swain <zapa...@gmail.com> wrote:

Hi Graeme!

I've been wondering about this too as I have two family members in a similar situation.  However, I haven't seen anyone comment on this, and I'm not sure how the constituency would be decided.

Would you be able to ask the Electoral Registration Officer when you hear back from them about your own registration?


No question …

My youngest daughter is the only one of my children born in Australia. She is now going to the UK to work for around 6 months. At the same time as I am going there to see my brother. 

She applied for a UK passport and go it without any dramas at all.

ooroo   🦘




Susan Kilfoyle

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Jan 25, 2024, 10:27:29 AM1/25/24
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Just to reply to your comment Paul on the length of stay in uk. I hope to be leaving S. Africa on a cruise to Southampton in April but I will only actually be in uk just under four weeks. Is it worth my applying do you think?

Susan

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Paul Swain

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Jan 25, 2024, 11:24:00 AM1/25/24
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Susan Kilfoyle wrote on 25/01/2024 11:26 pm:

> Just to reply to your comment Paul on the length of stay in uk. I hope
> to be leaving S. Africa on a cruise to Southampton in April but I will
> only actually be in uk just under four weeks. Is it worth my applying
> do you think?

Hi Susan!

Since everyone has said that it is very easy to claim, and as you'll be
in the UK for quite a long time, it seems to me that it is well worth
claiming.  But your individual circumstances may affect this decision.

Also, the information that I have says that you get the uprated pension
when you are visiting any unfrozen country, apart from the USA and
Bermuda.  You can also get your pension uprated for the time that you're
on a British registered ship.  So you may be able to claim for even
longer than you thought, which would likely make it even more worthwhile.


Paul

Marcus Wigan

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Jan 26, 2024, 4:25:51 AM1/26/24
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Susan four weeks would fir me slightly more than double my monthly frozen pension - so very well worth while

Paul’s comment is interesting- are there any British registered cruise ships! I’d love to know

Marcus Wigan
Melbourne
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> On 26 Jan 2024, at 03:24, Paul Swain <zapa...@gmail.com> wrote:
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vivienne bentley walker

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Jan 26, 2024, 4:26:04 AM1/26/24
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Hi Susan
We went for 4 weeks last year, definitely worth it, only takes a phone call and paid into your usual bank account.
Regards Vivienne 

Marianne

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Jan 26, 2024, 4:26:18 AM1/26/24
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Always worth claiming even for 1 week, better in your pocket than theirs.

Marianne

Susan Kilfoyle

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Jan 26, 2024, 4:26:35 AM1/26/24
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Thank you so much Paul, that's encouraging news and I will definitely get hold of the pension department soon. Is it possible to email them or must I phone? Thank you so much.

Susan

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Paul Swain

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Jan 26, 2024, 4:39:28 AM1/26/24
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Susan Kilfoyle wrote on 26/01/2024 6:01 pm:

> Thank you so much Paul, that's encouraging news and I will
> definitely get hold of the pension department soon. Is it possible to
> email them or must I phone? Thank you so much.

Hi Susan!

You need to phone or write to them.  People here have said that they
have called when they got to the UK, so you could either do that, or get
in touch in the 4 weeks before you arrive in the UK.

The contact details for the International Pensions Centre are at
https://www.gov.uk/international-pension-centre

Best Wishes for your trip!


Paul



Steve Symmons

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Jan 26, 2024, 10:40:58 AM1/26/24
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Letter or telephone only 

SMS and/or email not permitted for some reason 

elizabeth cardoo

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Jan 27, 2024, 4:25:31 AM1/27/24
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Hi all, I have enjoyed reading all your replies. I’m going back for month of may. Previous years I have always phoned, someone posted the phone number recently but I can’t find it. Have the address tho, may I ask someone to post the phone number again please 🤗
Thank you 🤩 
Cheers
Elizabeth 
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On 27 Jan 2024, at 2:41 am, Steve Symmons <stsy...@gmail.com> wrote:



Michael Goodall

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Jan 27, 2024, 4:27:24 AM1/27/24
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+44 191 2518 7777

Best regards,
Mike Goodall


From: 'elizabeth cardoo' via BAPA <bapa...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Saturday, 27 January 2024 4:21 AM
To: bapa...@googlegroups.com <bapa...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: Re: [bapanews] Visiting the UK
 

JO ODDIE

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Jan 27, 2024, 6:31:10 AM1/27/24
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Hi there,

I’ve got this number so if Michael’s number doesn’t work try this one. It’s just one digit less. 

+44 191 218 7777

We were stunned by the amount our  unfrozen pension had increased by when we went to Netherlands last year. It is well worth claiming. 

Happy travels

Yours
Jo

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On 27 Jan 2024, at 20:27, Michael Goodall <mikecg...@btconnect.com> wrote:



mary barber

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Jan 27, 2024, 6:45:30 AM1/27/24
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This last number works as I rang just last week at 19 25 adelaide  time to get them 1st in morning before  too busy. As an extra comment  It was yrs ago but told up grades on holiday only worked in UK & Europe not anywhere  else
From: 'JO ODDIE' via BAPA <bapa...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Saturday, January 27, 2024 10:00:46 PM

elizabeth cardoo

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Jan 27, 2024, 10:55:37 AM1/27/24
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🤗 thank you 
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On 27 Jan 2024, at 8:27 pm, Michael Goodall <mikecg...@btconnect.com> wrote:



Susan Kilfoyle

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Jan 27, 2024, 10:55:44 AM1/27/24
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Thank you everyone for the information. I will try phoning four weeks before. I have both the numbers you have suggested. I think Cunard Queen Victoria is uk registered but not sure! We stop on the way at Tenerife and Madeira so all are EU. They can only say no! I'll let you know how I get on!

Susan

Marcus Wigan

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Jan 27, 2024, 12:36:13 PM1/27/24
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A partial answer to my question just now, so Norway would be included?

So for example if one got to Norway on day x and joined a Norwegian ship to go to Norway and Shetland and Orkney and London that period is all in Europe is it not?

Just a practical example that would appear to work?

Marcus Wigan
Melbourne
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On 28 Jan 2024, at 02:55, Susan Kilfoyle <susan.k...@gmail.com> wrote:



Annie Cory

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Jan 27, 2024, 4:48:48 PM1/27/24
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I have family living in Sweden and in the UK.  I get the increased uk state pension for the whole of my visit (usually at least 3 weeks in each country).
Be aware that your Australian pension is reduced as you pass through passport control when you leave Australia.  Another reason to claim the increase on your UK pension.

Annie Cory
Noosa Heads QLD

On 28 Jan 2024, at 03:36, Marcus Wigan <mwi...@gmail.com> wrote:

A partial answer to my question just now, so Norway would be included?

Michael Goodall

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Jan 27, 2024, 6:35:12 PM1/27/24
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USA is not included for visit uprating

Best regards,
Mike Goodall
Tel:-     +61 8 6364 0859


From: bapa...@googlegroups.com <bapa...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of Marcus Wigan <mwi...@gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, 28 January 2024 12:43 AM

Michael Goodall

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Jan 27, 2024, 6:39:19 PM1/27/24
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Susan,
My number was incorrect as there was a '5' that crept in as a typo. the number definitively is +44 191 218 7777 as I call it several times a month.
My apologies

Best regards,
Mike Goodall
Tel:-     +61 8 6364 0859



From: bapa...@googlegroups.com <bapa...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of Susan Kilfoyle <susan.k...@gmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, 27 January 2024 8:43 PM

Michael Goodall

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Jan 27, 2024, 6:39:56 PM1/27/24
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Apologies it should be +44 191 218 7777

Best regards,
Mike Goodall
Tel:-     +61 8 6364 0859


From: 'elizabeth cardoo' via BAPA <bapa...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Saturday, 27 January 2024 5:40 PM

Annie Cory

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Jan 27, 2024, 8:25:19 PM1/27/24
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Annoying that. I visit family in USA most years. Australian Aged Pension docked because I’m overseas so a lose/lose situation. 

On 28 Jan 2024, at 09:35, Michael Goodall <mikecg...@btconnect.com> wrote:



mary barber

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Jan 27, 2024, 8:38:16 PM1/27/24
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Do we know which countries are?
From: 'Annie Cory' via BAPA <bapa...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Sunday, January 28, 2024 11:54:43 AM

Michael Skully

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Jan 27, 2024, 10:05:37 PM1/27/24
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BPIA has a fact sheet on its website - see attached

Fact-Sheet-14-How-to-increase-your-pension-when-you-go-on-holiday.pdf

elle...@gmail.com

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Jan 28, 2024, 1:21:44 AM1/28/24
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Hi Annie / All

Do you have to be overseas for 6 weeks before Australian pension is affected ?

 

Ellen

 

“If you're overseas for up to 6 weeks — Generally, your pension payments will continue as normal if you're travelling for less than 6 weeks. If you're overseas for more than 6 weeks — Once you reach 6 weeks, your pension supplement will drop to the basic rate.”

Linda OBrien

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Jan 28, 2024, 1:22:04 AM1/28/24
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Susan, it is registered in Bermuda so is not registered in England and someone said earlier that if you go to Bermuda you do not get the extra pension. 🥺
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On 27 Jan 2024, at 11:55 pm, Susan Kilfoyle <susan.k...@gmail.com> wrote:



John Feltham

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Jan 28, 2024, 1:22:43 AM1/28/24
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G'day Paul,

You are getting very bust these days!   :-)


Also, the information that I have says that you get the uprated pension 
when you are visiting any unfrozen country, apart from the USA and
Bermuda.  You can also get your pension uprated for the time that you're
on a British registered ship.  So you may be able to claim for even
longer than you thought, which would likely make it even more worthwhile.


Paul

Can I assume that India - where I will be for two weeks before I get to the uk - is not a frozen country?

ooroo   🦘




Paul Swain

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Jan 28, 2024, 4:51:00 AM1/28/24
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'John Feltham' via BAPA wrote on 28/01/2024 4:18 pm:

> Can I assume that India - where I will be for two weeks before I get
> to the uk - is not a frozen country?

Hi John!

Sorry, India is a frozen country.

The list of frozen countries is at
https://pensionsjustice.org/who-is-affected/list-frozen-countries/

The list of lucky ones is at
https://pensionsjustice.org/who-is-affected/list-unfrozen-countries/
though as already discussed, you can't get a temporary uprating when
visiting the USA (and associated countries) and Bermuda.


Paul



John Feltham

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Jan 28, 2024, 10:53:12 AM1/28/24
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G'day Paul,


On 28 Jan 2024, at 7:50 pm, Paul Swain <zapa...@gmail.com> wrote:

'John Feltham' via BAPA wrote on 28/01/2024 4:18 pm:

Can I assume that India - where I will be for two weeks before I get to the uk - is not a frozen country?

Hi John!

Sorry, India is a frozen country.


S… happens.  :-(


ooroo   🦘







Susan Kilfoyle

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Jan 29, 2024, 10:19:08 AM1/29/24
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Thank you Linda for the update. I will call the pension centre anyway & see what they say about the cruise period. After all she is called the Queen Victoria!

Susan

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Bruce Englefield

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Jan 31, 2024, 6:53:15 AM1/31/24
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Dear All,

Thanks for the interesting discussion and information.

My wife and I have visited Europe and the UK many times since we emigrated to Australia from the UK in 2001 and later took our UK pension. 
We always claim our updated pension, which on our visit last year amounted to an extra AUD$200 each per week. The only sad thing about this is that it highlights just how much is being stolen from us by the immoral, illogical and reprehensible system adopted by the UK Government.

When claiming we have always found the UK civil servants very helpful and efficient, indeed we often find they express some embarrassment at having to operate the frozen pension scheme.

My advice would be to remember they are civil servants and as such like to be able to tick boxes. So, present them with information that easily enables them to do this. Give them the date you enter an unfrozen country and the expected date of your final departure from a frozen country and don’t worry about the in between traveling. Give them one address, preferably that of a relative in the UK as your contact. The other details you need to give have previously been explained. The boxes will be ticked and the pension upgrade will arrive.
I always write to them in advance and then telephone with confirmation once in the UK. I believe they take what you tell them at face value, they don’t have the resources to check every claim. 

Just one word of warning if trying to use a public telephone to call when in the UK. Many towns have removed them because of vandalism. Using international roaming on a mobile phone can be expensive as it can take up to an hour to get to speak to a pensions employee. A locally purchased pay as you go SIM card is the answer.

Good luck and best wishes to all travelers and do claim every pound you can, it’s your entitlement.

Regards

Bruce.



On 30 Jan 2024, at 02:19, Susan Kilfoyle <susan.k...@gmail.com> wrote:



Susan Kilfoyle

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Jan 31, 2024, 10:16:32 AM1/31/24
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Thank you Bruce for that info. When you say you write to them in advance where do you send the letter? Last time I visited uk I wrote a letter from uk, posted it to what I thought was the right address and never heard a word from them! So if you have the address I would much appreciate it.

Susan

Sheila Telford

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Jan 31, 2024, 10:20:23 AM1/31/24
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I have never written in advance and I visit the UK regularly. I just call when I am there ( by skype if I can’t borrow a phone or don’t have a sim card), give the dates of my visit and contact address and the additional pension is paid every time.

Sheila
> To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/bapanews/CA%2Bqw_befq1rn%3DNaQeyTbKVL23UG1%3DOT8TtpwM3HMTQZVUy9NWA%40mail.gmail.com.

Susan Kilfoyle

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Jan 31, 2024, 11:10:34 AM1/31/24
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Thank you Sheila. I have two numbers, I will try calling either before I leave or when I get there. Could you give me the number if dialing from uk. Thank you so much.

Susan

Marcus Wigan

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Feb 1, 2024, 12:18:56 AM2/1/24
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Please post their answer it could be very useful to others
Marcus
Sent from my iPhone

> On 1 Feb 2024, at 02:20, Sheila Telford <ch...@pensionsjustice.org> wrote:
>
> I have never written in advance and I visit the UK regularly. I just call when I am there ( by skype if I can’t borrow a phone or don’t have a sim card), give the dates of my visit and contact address and the additional pension is paid every time.
> To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/bapanews/BFBA872C-0448-4071-A7DB-7DE768A4FC85%40pensionsjustice.org.

elizabeth Harvey

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Feb 1, 2024, 12:19:12 AM2/1/24
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Very helpful, thank you.  

I wonder if you can claim it on past visits to the UK when you didn't claim it?

Interesting.
Elizabeth

Virus-free.www.avg.com

Tony OMahony

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Feb 1, 2024, 12:23:18 AM2/1/24
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Give it a try.

You'll need proof of entry and exit - air tickets, stamped passport. EU visits count too.


Tony O'Mahony


Bruce Englefield

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Feb 1, 2024, 4:05:53 AM2/1/24
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To explain why I do things the way I do.

The reason I write to the pensions office is for personal security reasons. I then have a copy of my claim should any query arise. When I speak to the pensions people on arrival in the UK I just confirm they have the details that I sent them. I certainly would not give the required information via the internet using Skype. As was written earlier on the question of voting 'would like to vote but too much information to be given over computer ALEXANDER WHITEHEAD'.
With Skype the part of the call over the public switched telephone network (PSTN) is not encrypted. Therefore is not secure.

However., I'm not telling anyone what to do, the decision is theirs.

Cheers

Bruce.

-----Original Message-----
From: bapa...@googlegroups.com <bapa...@googlegroups.com> On Behalf Of Sheila Telford
Sent: Thursday, February 1, 2024 2:20 AM
To: bapa...@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: [bapanews] Visiting the UK

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/bapanews/BFBA872C-0448-4071-A7DB-7DE768A4FC85%40pensionsjustice.org.

Bruce Englefield

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Feb 1, 2024, 4:06:12 AM2/1/24
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Sorry about the typo. It should read  ‘the expected date of your final departure from an unfrozen country and don’t worry about the in between traveling.

Address. 
The Pension Service 11
Mail Handling Site A
Wolverhampton
WV98 1LW
United Kingdom.

Regards

Bruce.





John Feltham

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Feb 21, 2024, 6:52:54 AM2/21/24
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G'day Folks,

On 28 Jan 2024, at 7:48 AM, 'Annie Cory' via BAPA <bapa...@googlegroups.com> wrote:

Be aware that your Australian pension is reduced as you pass through passport control when you leave Australia.  Another reason to claim the increase on your UK pension.


Just a corrction, I hope?

I visited my local Centrelink office here in Townsville to report my impending departure from Australia on Monday 26th February.

I will be away for 4 weeks. Two weeks in India and two weeks in the UK.

When we depart India it will be from Delhi, on a flight to Helsinki where we have an overnight stop before flying into Manchester the following day, 

Centrelink staff told me that my Aussie pension would not be affected.


ooroo   🦘








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