What we cannot investigate
We cannot normally investigate the following:
- Complaints about state benefits, for example the state pension.
- Complaints about how a pension arrangement was sold. These are normally dealt with by the Financial Ombudsman Service.
- Complaints that have been taken to Court if the proceedings have not been discontinued.
- Complaints that have been investigated by another Ombudsman.
- Complaints where those involved have not first been asked to deal with the matter. For further information, please see the guidance notes.
- Complaints against any party other than the employer, the trustee, the manager or the administrator of a pension scheme.
- Complaints brought to us more than three years after the events complained about, or the person’s awareness of them if that is later. It is therefore important that a complaint is brought as soon as all the necessary steps have been taken.