We would like to wish all our Members and Employers a happy and healthy 2021. But it’s also important that we acknowledge the ongoing challenges that the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues to have on all our lives. We want to reassure you that all of us at Local Pensions Partnership Administration (LPPA) are continuing to work as hard as we can to support you through these uncertain and unprecedented times.
What to do if you need to contact us
We understand that worries over our loved ones and finances can be overwhelming and stressful. LPPA would like to reassure Members that we are here to support you as much as we can. We would also like to reassure you that pensions will continue to be paid. You can read more about this on the Scheme Advisory Board website.
For any queries regarding pensions, your first stop should be this website, where you will find a wealth of information. If you’re a member of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), you can also view the national LGPS Member Website for general coronavirus FAQs. This provides a range of information for anyone worried about their financial situation and is updated and reviewed regularly.
Managing your pension with My Pension Online
My Pension Online is our member self-service portal. It provides a safe, secure, quick and simple way for you to manage your pension anytime, anywhere. By registering for the service, you can:
- Instantly update your personal details
Since first joining your pension scheme, you may have changed address. If you register now, you can make sure the information we have is up to date. If you’re receiving your pension, you can even update your bank details and view your pension payments.
- Calculate your pension income and lump sum
Not yet retired? You can use the service’s online calculator to see the size of the pension income you could be entitled to when you retire, helping you plan for your future.
- Get instant access
My Pension Online provides many other features to help you to manage your pension. Just click here to register.
Contacting our Helpdesk
As you can imagine, our phone lines are extremely busy. However, if you do have an urgent enquiry, there are other ways that you can get in touch with us:
Contact Form: Our online form enables you to send your query directly to our Helpdesk. It also allows you to securely attach any documents that you need to send us. This includes scanned copies and photocopies of birth, marriage and death certificates.
LPPA Live Chat: Our live chat option allows you to speak with a Helpdesk adviser online. Operating hours are Monday to Thursday 9am to 5pm, and Friday 9am to 4pm.
An update for our Retired Members
We’d like to inform our Retired Members that your 2020 P60 is available to view via My Pension Online, our member self-service portal. If you have not yet registered for the service, just click here to sign up.
The Pensioner newsletter is also available for you to read. It includes many helpful and informative articles, such as details about this year’s pensions increase.
A warning to all Members about pension scams
At a time when the nation is pulling together to support one another, we would like to warn you about a significant increase in pension scams taking advantage of the COVID-19 crisis, to ensure you can spot the warning signs.
In the last few weeks, an increase in fraudulent activity has been detected by The Pensions Regulator (TPR), Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Money and Pensions Service. If you are approached about an investment opportunity that sounds too good to be true, or are offered the ability to ‘access your pension early’, we strongly advise you to avoid it and report it to Action Fraud.
Always be mindful of the warning signs and, if in doubt, always check it out, do your research, and speak with family and friends. Here are some top tips to keep in mind.
- Reject ALL unexpected offers: Be wary of cold calls – they are completely illegal.
- Know who you are dealing with: Always ensure you are dealing with an FCA-registered Financial Adviser. You can check their credentials at https://register.fca.org.uk/s/
- Check contact details carefully: Scammers have been known to ‘clone’ legitimate financial advisers’ websites to pass themselves off as the real thing. Always use the contact details on the FCA register.
- Don’t be pressured: ‘Time-limited offers’ or deals that sound too good to be true usually are. Your pension is one of your most valuable possessions and a genuine financial adviser will never rush you into making a decision.
- Get impartial information: Your money is your money. Never allow someone to tell you what to do with it. There are free and impartial services, such as the Pensions Advisory Service, who can explain your options.
- Don’t waste your money on ‘pension liberation’ deals: The earliest you can access your pension benefits is from 55 – an age set by the government. Some organisations may promise you early access to your savings, but the costs are high and the impact on your financial security is immeasurable. You can lose over 85% of your life savings with such arrangements, so don’t hand over these precious savings to someone else for short-term cash. It can cost you your future.
For more information, please visit the FCA’s ScamSmart website.