Teachers’ Pension Scheme (PO-4471)

Complaint Summary

Mrs Roberts has complained that Teachers’ Pensions caused delays and provided incorrect information with regard to her application for Additional Service after Retirement (ASAR) benefits, which resulted in a rejection of her application. She asks that she now be given a backdated award.

Summary of the Ombudsman’s determination and reasons

The complaint should be upheld as, while she sent the incorrect forms, Teachers’ Pensions failed to respond to Mrs Roberts’ initial application. Although that application was invalid they still should have responded to it. Had they done so Mrs Roberts could have submitted another ASAR claim in time to claim her benefits earlier than when she finally did in July 2013.