UK Pensions

CO-CO said:
The 'fraud' aspect of state pensions is limited to a false declaration. Not one single case of 'benefit fraud' has been brought against anyone in relation to the state pension. It never will be. The limited resources of DWP etc are being better deployed on bigger fish rather than trying to catch out errant old timers in Thailand. A much better (and significantly bigger) target would be the fat cows riding up and down Benidorm promenade on their mobility scooters - not wishing to stereotype but I imagine that the majority are claiming benefits.
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I disagree that they will go for the big fish, because I knew personally one "errant old timers in Thailand" who had 2/3rds of his pension stopped to repay what he "owed" for not disclosing his residency. He was pot less with wife & young daughter and that action seriously f@rked up his life. R.I.P.
 
Ivor the Engine said:
I disagree that they will go for the big fish, because I knew personally one "errant old timers in Thailand" who had 2/3rds of his pension stopped to repay what he "owed" for not disclosing his residency. He was pot less with wife & young daughter and that action seriously f@rked up his life. R.I.P.
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He knew the risks…..and note, there was no additional penalty beyond repayment

……and how did DWP ‘discover’ his residency status ?
 
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merlin said:
The opposite attitude to "pissing in the wind" as you put it is to do nothing and have zero chance of influencing enlightened people of our plight as the victims in this situation. I might agree with you that we are disadvantaged by our limited numbers - especially when repeated requests for petitioned support from our families and friends have fallen on mainly deaf ears. Similarly, when those amongst us who are equally disadvantaged give up the opportunity to make a difference by resigning the rest of us to be an even smaller minority of pensioners who continue to be deprived of our entitlement to equal rights from an arrangement that was put in place to provide some fairness to people who were led to believe that we would be rewarded for a lifetime's work and material contributions to that arrangement. Speaking for myself, I was at no time during my working life made aware that by seeking a better future in a warmer climate etc. That working life included a lengthy period as an IFA until retirement from providing advice to clients. AT no time did the UK government advise us that it didn't provide equality for those who had qualified for the advantages of the scheme, and I have no sympathy for those who are able to absorb the losses by virtue of their other retirement provisions, especially when there was little or no possibility of replacing those losses out of more limited incomes due to personal circumstances. We are all different as individuals, but lumped together in the amount the State alone provides us. Those who are not affected by incomes that effectively reduce in buying power each year by freezing and by inflation as well as by currrency fluctuations are very fortunate. The concept of a fair State Pension was to ensure that such people were still able to enjoy that period of their lives without the constant worry about running out of money before running out of life.

I take offence with the desciption of being one "whining about not getting the annual increase." If I am whining, it is at the inequality involved which affects the worse off to a significantly greater degree than those for whom the annual increases can truly be described as "paltry." We all become older, but not more resistant to the effect of this inequality. As an example, look at the situation of Ms. Anne Puckridge the 100 year old British pensioner living in Canada whose frozen pension at just £72.50 a week is expected by our generous pensions ministry to provide her with a "living income" for the rest of her life.

She was a part of the UK's second world war effort - and this is her recompense. Disgusting.
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It is frustrating, it is unfair, disgusting etc

I don’t care about offending those who do whine (I didn’t actually accuse you of that, you have - up to now - put forward the usual well balanced, but futile argument,)

I don’t fight battles that I can’t win and the reality is that this is a battle that is already ….UK pensions will never be unfrozen.

I have no issue resigning myself to the fact that I am losing £18 pm because all the times that I have signed pointless petitions NOTHING has changed. Equally, I have no issue with those who don’t share my view that it is a waste of time.
 

DWP Pension Update: New Bank Rules All UK Pensioners Must Follow Started September 2025​

August 28, 2025 / By pinturasfranciscocarmona
DWP Pension Bank Rules 2025

Hello Everyone, The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has rolled out new pension banking rules from September 2025, and millions of UK pensioners are directly affected. These rules focus on banking verification, fraud prevention, and faster payments, ensuring pensioners receive their money securely while reducing the risk of scams.
For retirees who depend on the State Pension, these changes mark one of the most important financial updates in recent years. Here is everything you need to know about the DWP’s new pension bank rules.

What are the new DWP pension bank rules?​

From 1 September 2025, pensioners across the UK are required to follow updated banking rules when receiving their pension payments. These rules have been introduced to:
  • Ensure pension payments are made only to verified accounts.
  • Reduce fraud cases involving stolen pensions.
  • Help identify pensioners who are no longer eligible.
  • Allow smoother and faster payment processing.
Under the changes, all pensioners must have bank accounts that meet new verification standards. This means your account must be linked to your National Insurance number and officially verified by your bank.

Why has the DWP introduced these rules?​

The DWP has faced increasing challenges with pension fraud, identity theft, and delays in payments. In 2024 alone, fraud involving pension accounts cost the government hundreds of millions of pounds. By working with UK banks, the DWP aims to:
  • Strengthen account security.
  • Stop payments into suspicious accounts.
  • Ensure every pensioner is correctly identified.
  • Provide peace of mind for retirees.
According to DWP officials, these measures will “make pensions safer, quicker, and more reliable for every claimant.

How pensioners are affected​

For most pensioners, the transition will be simple. If your bank account is already verified, you will notice no major changes. However, if your account has not been updated or if you use a joint or old account, you may be required to:
  • Confirm your identity with your bank.
  • Provide proof of National Insurance details.
  • Switch to an account that meets the new rules.
Failure to update your account information could mean delayed pension payments or, in rare cases, temporary suspension until verification is complete.

What pensioners need to do now​

If you are a UK pensioner, here are the steps to follow to comply with the new banking rules:
  1. Check your bank account – Ensure your pension is being paid into an account in your name.
  2. Contact your bank – Ask if your account meets the new DWP verification requirements.
  3. Update details if needed – Provide proof of ID, National Insurance number, and address.
  4. Avoid joint accounts if possible – Payments may be delayed if verification is unclear.
  5. Register a safe backup option – Some banks are offering “verified pension accounts” for pensioners only.
By acting early, you can ensure your payments continue smoothly.

Will pensions be delayed under the new rules?​

The DWP has confirmed that most pension payments will not be delayed. However, accounts that are not updated may face temporary holds. This is why pensioners are advised to check their accounts well before payment dates.
If your account is flagged as unverified, the DWP will contact you and request updates. Once your bank confirms the details, your payments will restart.

Impact on overseas pensioners​

UK pensioners living abroad are also included in the new rules. If you receive your State Pension into an overseas bank, you may need to switch to a UK-based verified account or provide additional documentation.
This change could affect thousands of pensioners who rely on overseas transfers. The DWP has stated it will work closely with affected individuals to avoid disruption.
 
EnglishAlan said:
CoCo-Thanks for your posting on the 29/Aug.
Why are they trying to close down Jt or long standing a/cs? I ve been claiming DWP pyts since 09
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@EnglishAlan ..personally I think that is a red herring about the joint accounts. I don't think that it is about closing down specific accounts, but more about making sure that whatever account you have meets new requirements.

I liken it to the exercise currently going in Thailand (especially with Bangkok Bank) where they are re-verifying some account holders. I doubt that you will see any practical difference.

As commendable as anti-fraud measures are, it seems that they inconvenience the normal person whilst fraudsters can often work their way around these measures.
 
EnglishAlan said:
CoCo-Rang NatWest earlier.They said my a/cs been verified & acceptable for DWP pyts.
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Mine also go into Nat West and I don't expect any problems.


I guess the backstop, for anyone having a problem, is to have the pension paid direct to a Thai bank account.
 
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