Armed forces pension...was I conned??

[lasernigel]

Some of you know I'm ex Army not RAF but thought I'd post this to see if anyone else thought the same.
I did just short of 13yrs service and came out as a Sergeant.The only reason I came out was I had got too specialised and my posting prospects were limited.
On joining and all through my service I was told that if you did over 12yrs you would get a pension at 55.This was drummed in to me again just before the 9yr point when they convinced me to sign on again.
I have just moved so thought I would tell Army pensions my change of address and as a matter of interest how much would I get at 55.
Got the reply back yesterday telling me that I get nothing until 60!
Phoned today to confirm and ask if the rules had changed,which I was assured they hadn't.
Was I purposely conned to sign on again I wonder,and how many others of my age (52) think the same that even if it's only a small pension at least they were going to get something at 55?

[nutcracker43]

Lasernigel.

Glad to see that you see Pendle hill...been up there many a time...cousins live in the Ribble valley.

Re your 'problem'. An ex marine chum of mine with a similar history to yours has just started receiving his pension at age 60. This was not a surprise to him and something he has known about since he left the service, apparently. He left the service in 1977. Seems as though you were given a bum steer by your bean stealers.

NC43

[The Helpful Stacker]

Originally Posted by lasernigel

Some of you know I'm ex Army not RAF but thought I'd post this to see if anyone else thought the same.
I did just short of 13yrs service and came out as a Sergeant.The only reason I came out was I had got too specialised and my posting prospects were limited.
On joining and all through my service I was told that if you did over 12yrs you would get a pension at 55.This was drummed in to me again just before the 9yr point when they convinced me to sign on again.
I have just moved so thought I would tell Army pensions my change of address and as a matter of interest how much would I get at 55.
Got the reply back yesterday telling me that I get nothing until 60!
Phoned today to confirm and ask if the rules had changed,which I was assured they hadn't.
Was I purposely conned to sign on again I wonder,and how many others of my age (52) think the same that even if it's only a small pension at least they were going to get something at 55?

Not conned, they've just moved the goalposts.

When AFP05 was going through last year those who stayed on the older scheme rather than switching to the 05 one were informed that unless we did 22 our pension would be payed at 60.

Much like the reserve forces commitment length being changed from 6 years to 15(?) this is another example of terms of service being changed without us 'employees' being given an opportunity to sign a new contract.

[lasernigel]

Not conned, they've just moved the goalposts.

Do you think it's worth contacting The British Legion and seeing what they say.Now just think it's another way of Gordon Brown saving some money.
Typical of this lots attitude to the Armed forces in general.Use us,abuse us.

[Roadster280]

FWIW, I was always under the impression that the AFPS paid preserved pensions at 60, when I expect mine. No goalposts moved in that regard for me. I agree that your RAO may have misled you.

I do however have a beef about the AFPS. When I was considering leaving, I asked for a pension transfer value, as I was considering taking the value of my AFPS with me. I called the AFPS enquiry office, to be told that the office is not staffed to deal with enquiries!!!!!!!

I had to go to the Occupational Pensions Advisory Service to force them to give me a transfer value. Quite outrageous that I had to do that to my employer, and indeed was a nail in the coffin of my service career.

I dont think you have been "done over" in terms of the rules, more in terms of disinformation.

[Gaz ED]

Left RAF after 9 years, and was made fairly clear that pension (9/22nds!) would be paid at 60. You have to apply for it though..

9 years, man and boy, hardest game in the world

[South Bound]

Yep, it has always been 60. Only time 55 comes into play is if you commute some of your immediate pension (after your 22 year or 16/38 point) and your pension goes back up at 55.

Don't think you have lost out, just misinformed