Teachers’ Pension Scheme (PO-8142)

Ombudsman’s Determination

 Complaint summary

Mr N’s complaint against Teachers’ Pensions and DoE is that after two years of receiving a pension, they said that his retirement benefits had been calculated incorrectly. He adds:

1. This followed repeated written confirmation of his pension benefits from Teachers’ Pensions during which they confirmed their final and definitive figures and gave assurances to him and provided the financial basis on which to change his position.
2. With no discussion of the issue, Teachers’ Pensions immediately reduced his pension in 2013 by around £5,000 per annum. They requested immediate repayment in full in 2013 which severely surprised, stressed and shocked him. They did not say or discuss anything with him

Summary of the Ombudsman’s determination and reasons

The complaint should not be upheld against DoE because they were not involved in the calculation of Mr N’s pension. However, the complaint against Teachers’ Pensions should be upheld, but only to the extent of significant non-financial injustice he has suffered.