Hi,
thanks for allowing me to join group, I have had a very interesting conversation with the International Pension Dept, after not receiving my payment due today. My payment was suspended on the 9th of July, and an automated letter sent on the 11th of July, two days prior to payment date, explaining that as they had not received my Proof of Life by the 9th deadline. Now the interesting part is I had printed off the registered post proof of delivery, which clearly shows they received it on the 19th of June in Wolverhampton. When this was pointed out to the shift supervisor she said they were dealing with a backlog of Proof of Life forms, and were processing them on the basis of received date. I asked why then that prior to suspending peoples money was no one checking files to see if in fact a form had been received, no explanation given. My next question was as they have this backlog of at least three weeks, as in my case, that no extension period prior to suspension was given? All I got was she's sorry for my inconvenience, I have to now wait 5-7 days for money, as my pension is my sole income it is a hardship I can do with. So if any expats have returned their Proof of Life forms in the past two months, it maybe worth a call to find out if it is in the backlog pile waiting to be processed. Mine only was discovered when they accessed my file, so by calling at least you can prevent the automated letter from being sent. Would sending an e-mail be a quicker option rather that post, which to here in Crete where I live takes longer as all island post goes via Athens, just a thought. Have a good day to all