Applying for pension and which courier to use advice

[imagine]

Hi all, I have been in process of filling out my claim for UK state pension, and am sending documents with it such as birth certificate and marriage certificate plus some tax and NI documents,

Previously i sent a tax refund letter to Ireland using registered post with Philpost it got there ok though i was unable to track it completly to the end destination,

this is 1 choice, my other choice is DHL but is see the only DHL here is WWWExpress / DHL Malaybalay

it having the WWWExpress before the DHL,

is this the DHL we know in UK ?

Anyone had experience with either of these, for sending documents to UK, could you tell me what you think would be best, any advice appreciated

[grahamw48]

I sent a letter via registered Phils post to the UK Pensions people a few months back....and it got there ok.

If these are original docs you're sending, I'd be inclined to use a service such as DHL though, which I believe is the same DHL as in UK.

Anyway, others will advise also. Good luck mate. Make good copies of all your British docs, regardless. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

The UK Pensions people are VERY helpful on their helpline too. (I use Skype (just phone, not cam) to phone them... costs me nowt).

[imagine]

Thanks Graham :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[jonnijon]

I sent a letter via registered Phils post to the UK Pensions people a few months back....and it got there ok.

If these are original docs you're sending, I'd be inclined to use a service such as DHL though, which I believe is the same DHL as in UK.

Anyway, others will advise also. Good luck mate. Make good copies of all your British docs, regardless. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

The UK Pensions people are VERY helpful on their helpline too. (I use Skype (just phone, not cam) to phone them... costs me nowt).

I use skype for calls, but I have an account. How do you get the free calls Graham?

[Terpe]

I've used EMS (tracked and express) with Philpost and had no major issues except for the long time it takes to get into Manila and forwarded on to UK
As I recall the costs here in Marikina are the same for Philpost and DHL. I do use DHL if I need the post to reach UK with 7 days.

The UK pensions folks are very helpful. I also use Skype to call them.

Your pension claim will be no problem I'm sure

[imagine]

I've used EMS (tracked and express) with Philpost and had no major issues except for the long time it takes to get into Manila and forwarded on to UK
As I recall the costs here in Marikina are the same for Philpost and DHL. I do use DHL if I need the post to reach UK with 7 days.

The UK pensions folks are very helpful. I also use Skype to call them.

Your pension claim will be no problem I'm sure

Thanks Peter:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[grahamw48]

I use skype for calls, but I have an account. How do you get the free calls Graham?

I may have accidentally used 'poetic licence' there.

I have an account also (only £2.70 a month by direct debit) I forget which number types it covers. I think the pension one is covered by it.

FREEPHONE numbers 0800, etc, are normally free anyway, on Skype... so ideal for calling places like bank helplines. :xxgrinning--00xx3:


The correct STATE PENSION helpline number (the one that I used a few times thru Skype) is:

+44 191 218 7777 ... if calling from the Phils.

Have your NI number to hand. That is the key to all govt. benefit agencies.

They will also ask you some simple security questions.

I can recommend getting the very cheap account with Skype for phoning UK land line numbers.

It can be cancelled at any time, but means you can relax while all the stupid music and minutes on end of waiting inevitably happen. :xxgrinning--00xx3: Call quality for me was excellent.

[imagine]

on my pension application i am applying to have my pension paid into a BDO Philippine bank , how does it go with the fact that Philippine banks don't have the IBAN ?

[Michael Parnham]

I just let my pension remain in my UK bank and transfered how ever much I required each month, thus building up my UK account :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[grahamw48]

on my pension application i am applying to have my pension paid into a BDO Philippine bank , how does it go with the fact that Philippine banks don't have the IBAN ?

I tried that a couple of months ago (with BDO).

My advice... DON'T... if you have a UK bank.

My pension payment was returned by (useless) BDO.

I have now returned to having my State Pension paid into my reliable existing UK bank, and simply transferring money into the BDO account myself, using Worldremit... for about five quid.

[imagine]

I tried that a couple of months ago (with BDO).

My advice... DON'T... if you have a UK bank.

My pension payment was returned by (useless) BDO.

I have now returned to having my State Pension paid into my reliable existing UK bank, and simply transferring money into the BDO account myself, using Worldremit... for about five quid.

i thought in the end having it paid in a bank here would be less hastle, especialy if i got sick and ended up in hospital then Lolita can get to the money easily , she isn't computer literate , Worldremit i have got it stuck in Ireland, as i need proof of address ect for UK in order to change it back to UK,so that one is useless to me now,though i do still have PNB europe , they have been good, but it has been proved very hard to get card numbers changed with them when my bank issues new cards. what was the reason for BDO returning your payment, seems very odd

[imagine]

I just let my pension remain in my UK bank and transfered how ever much I required each month, thus building up my UK account :xxgrinning--00xx3:

Thanks for your input Michael :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[grahamw48]

i thought in the end having it paid in a bank here would be less hastle, especialy if i got sick and ended up in hospital then Lolita can get to the money easily , she isn't computer literate , Worldremit i have got it stuck in Ireland, as i need proof of address ect for UK in order to change it back to UK,so that one is useless to me now,though i do still have PNB europe , they have been good, but it has been proved very hard to get card numbers changed with them when my bank issues new cards. what was the reason for BDO returning your payment, seems very odd

I still use our (well, wife's) BDO account here. I just don't have my UK pension paid into it, because from my recent experience they are not reliable for direct bank to bank payments. If they don't understand it, it gets returned. :Brick:

However, with REMITTANCES (in my case , sent by myself to BDO, using Worldremit, but plenty of alternatives), the money has been credited to BDO with no problem, and quickly. We then use the BDO Debit card to withdraw funds.

[imagine]

I still use our (well, wife's) BDO account here. I just don't have my UK pension paid into it, because from my recent experience they are not reliable for direct bank to bank payments. If they don't understand it, it gets returned. :Brick:

However, with REMITTANCES (in my case , sent by myself to BDO, using Worldremit, but plenty of alternatives), the money has been credited to BDO with no problem, and quickly. We then use the BDO Debit card to withdraw funds.

one good thing at least it got returned, better than getting electronically lost, hopefully its just you or very few this has happened to for my comfort i hope so, but sorry it happened to you of course, i think i need to give it a try for the reason that it would be more convenient should i be unable to do a remit myself, I was going to use my PNB account for this, But i was under the impression that BDO are more experienced in this

[grahamw48]

You have been warned. :biggrin::xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Terpe]

You might think about HSBC here......I'm not a fan of HSBC but they are present here in Philippines.

[Terpe]

Stuart, I believe that our member Jonnijon has his UK pension paid into a bank here. He lives in Tagum.
I can't remember which bank.

[imagine]

Stuart, I believe that our member Jonnijon has his UK pension paid into a bank here. He lives in Tagum.
I can't remember which bank.

Thanks Peter,

well its all sent away now. so lets see how it goes with BDO providing my pension application goes without an humps, 2 months processing it says.

well i posted with DHL cost 2,900 peso, but tracking was second to none, and wow super fast delivery posted after lunch Tuesday 14th it was delivered and signed for today Friday 17th at 10. 30 am, 3 days great

[Terpe]

Thanks Peter,

well its all sent away now. so lets see how it goes with BDO providing my pension application goes without an humps, 2 months processing it says.

well i posted with DHL cost 2,900 peso, but tracking was second to none, and wow super fast delivery posted after lunch Tuesday 14th it was delivered and signed for today Friday 17th at 10. 30 am, 3 days great

That's DHL...:xxgrinning--00xx3:
As I said I have used EMS/Philpost without too much trouble but it just takes much longer. Pricewise there's nothing to choose between them.

If you have family in the UK maybe they could open a UK account for you and give you the electronic access.
That way you could benefit from using Worldremit and be in best control of when and where you collect your money. These days the exchange rate is so volatile its good to pick when and where

Good luck Stuart..

[imagine]

That's DHL...:xxgrinning--00xx3:
As I said I have used EMS/Philpost without too much trouble but it just takes much longer. Pricewise there's nothing to choose between them.

If you have family in the UK maybe they could open a UK account for you and give you the electronic access.
That way you could benefit from using Worldremit and be in best control of when and where you collect your money. These days the exchange rate is so volatile its good to pick when and where

Good luck Stuart..

Thanks Peter, :xxgrinning--00xx3:
Good point there though I do have 2 UK bank accounts and my eldest Daughter has Acting Power of Attorney so she can if needed already act on my behalf, but im thinking in my preference it would be easier if Lolita was able to easily withdraw here should i become ill or any emergency where i am unable to access money quickly, without delays of contacting my Daughter

ps , just twigged you meant family in UK to open a world remit account

[jonnijon]

Stuart, I believe that our member Jonnijon has his UK pension paid into a bank here. He lives in Tagum.
I can't remember which bank.

BPI Bank of the Philippine Islands. I used to have my pension paid to HSBC in the UK but they closed my account because I have no UK address.

[grahamw48]

I'd like to see them close my UK account while I have a bank loan and credit card with them. (Call it 'insurance') . :biggrin:

[imagine]

BPI Bank of the Philippine Islands. I used to have my pension paid to HSBC in the UK but they closed my account because I have no UK address.

a success for pension to Philippine bank for you, :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[imagine]

I'd like to see them close my UK account while I have a bank loan and credit card with them. (Call it 'insurance') . :biggrin:

:icon_lol::icon_lol::icon_lol:

[Terpe]

Thanks Peter, :xxgrinning--00xx3:
Good point there though I do have 2 UK bank accounts and my eldest Daughter has Acting Power of Attorney so she can if needed already act on my behalf, but im thinking in my preference it would be easier if Lolita was able to easily withdraw here should i become ill or any emergency where i am unable to access money quickly, without delays of contacting my Daughter

ps , just twigged you meant family in UK to open a world remit account

Stuart, did you sort out pension and pension payments?
I may need to switch to Philippine Bank for one of my pensions and just wondered if you have some news?

[grahamw48]

It would be useful to know specifically what type of bank account is able to be used in the Phils also, for successfully receiving a UK State Pension payment ...as well as the actual name of the bank. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[jonnijon]

I use a basic savings account with BPI. It's a joint account set up years ago before I was resident here. No problems with pension payments from the UK.

[imagine]

Stuart, did you sort out pension and pension payments?
I may need to switch to Philippine Bank for one of my pensions and just wondered if you have some news?

iv not heard from pensions yet, i did get a txt message from them to let me know when they received my claim.

before i applied i saw that it takes approx 3 months to process, it has just gone the 3 month mark yesterday, so i expect to hear something soon

[Terpe]

I use a basic savings account with BPI. It's a joint account set up years ago before I was resident here. No problems with pension payments from the UK.

Thank you jonnijon, that's great info
I have a BPI account account already but not used for around 2 years
I will make a visit and check out
Thanks again friend

[Terpe]

iv not heard from pensions yet, i did get a txt message from them to let me know when they received my claim.

before i applied i saw that it takes approx 3 months to process, it has just gone the 3 month mark yesterday, so i expect to hear something soon

Thank you Stuart.
I will be most interested to learn from you.

My wife has a BDO account but haven't tried to remit bank to bank.
I always do a cash pick at BDO.....well unless they are 'off-line'.....then I can try Palawan Express ...

[imagine]

Thank you Stuart.
I will be most interested to learn from you.

My wife has a BDO account but haven't tried to remit bank to bank.
I always do a cash pick at BDO.....well unless they are 'off-line'.....then I can try Palawan Express ...

your welcome, i will give an update as soon as i hear from them:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[jonnijon]

Thank you jonnijon, that's great info
I have a BPI account account already but not used for around 2 years
I will make a visit and check out
Thanks again friend

Never had a problem, state pension and two small private pensions all there every month. The state pension DWP send through Citibank, and they follow American bank holidays, so sometimes there is a slight delay. My payday is a Friday so the last American holiday was independence day, that was a Thursday so my pension did not appear in my account until the following Monday night.

[Terpe]

Thanks jonnijon.

[imagine]

Pension update,
well at long last i have today received an email from DWP simply saying
( I can confirm that your state pension has now been awarded and a letter has been issued to you ) so now i am to await the next step , is it as much or more than the forcast i have, will i get that letter before being paid, and will it arrive in BDO without any problems, well at the moment that's as exciting as it gets for now :Jump:

[Terpe]

Here's hoping it all goes well for you.
Mine went though with DWP without any hitches despite me getting a bit stressed with it all......

[imagine]

Here's hoping it all goes well for you.
Mine went though with DWP without any hitches despite me getting a bit stressed with it all......

very good, so your all sorted with it going in the bank of your choice

[grahamw48]

Good luck Stewart.

I'm still nervous about having mine paid into (my wife's) BDO account, after the fiasco last time... where BDO returned the payment to DWP. :Brick:

[imagine]

Thanks graham

[Terpe]

very good, so your all sorted with it going in the bank of your choice

My pensions all get paid into my UK Bank.
Since reading the experiences of folks on the forum I have become more interested in having payments made directly into a Philippines Bank.....would be so much less complicated for my wife.

[imagine]

My pensions all get paid into my UK Bank.
Since reading the experiences of folks on the forum I have become more interested in having payments made directly into a Philippines Bank.....would be so much less complicated for my wife.

its seems much more convenient to have it sent directly to a a Philippine Bank and that's my reason for doing so.

but just now im wondering about this letter the have posted DWP , if it was registered or courier they would have given me a tracking number, if its normal post how long will it be before i get it and if they are returning my documents with this, i think DWP concern me more than the Philippine banks :Erm::icon_lol:

[jonnijon]

its seems much more convenient to have it sent directly to a a Philippine Bank and that's my reason for doing so.

but just now im wondering about this letter the have posted DWP , if it was registered or courier they would have given me a tracking number, if its normal post how long will it be before i get it and if they are returning my documents with this, i think DWP concern me more than the Philippine banks :Erm::icon_lol:

It is usually about 3 to 4 to 5 weeks for me regular mail. On the back of your envelope you will see it is stamped when it arrived in the Philippines, then stamped with the distribution depot then your local post office. Just looked at an envelope I receved from the UK stamped June 13, June 27, 02 July :Erm::icon_lol::icon_lol: The letter inside was dated MAY :Brick::Brick: Good luck.

[imagine]

It is usually about 3 to 4 to 5 weeks for me regular mail. On the back of your envelope you will see it is stamped when it arrived in the Philippines, then stamped with the distribution depot then your local post office. Just looked at an envelope I receved from the UK stamped June 13, June 27, 02 July :Erm::icon_lol::icon_lol: The letter inside was dated MAY :Brick::Brick: Good luck.

well hopefully they will pay into bank before i get the letter, unless theres something in the letter i need before they do :Erm:

[imagine]

update, while waiting for this letter, i neglected checking my bank balance, well today i walked past the BDO ATM and thought i will just check , so i did and i read the balance and printed a statement, and thought the bank had done me i read there was less than the balance i had deposited required to open the account, well i get home and go to online banking to see where my money had gone, then i realised i missed out a digit so where i thought i had less money i had heaps more, there were 2 payments from DWP one last week a large amount then another paid in yesterday of a smaller amount, so one very Happy chappie here
:REDancedancer08::REGamblMoney01HL1:

[Terpe]

update, while waiting for this letter, i neglected checking my bank balance, well today i walked past the BDO ATM and thought i will just check , so i did and i read the balance and printed a statement, and thought the bank had done me i read there was less than the balance i had deposited required to open the account, well i get home and go to online banking to see where my money had gone, then i realised i missed out a digit so where i thought i had less money i had heaps more, there were 2 payments from DWP one last week a large amount then another paid in yesterday of a smaller amount, so one very Happy chappie here
:REDancedancer08::REGamblMoney01HL1:

So you mean that the DWP paid your pension directly into BDO bank and all worked out perfectly????
Great....I am now putting on my think cap.
So what information does DWP need to make that transaction ??

[imagine]

So you mean that the DWP paid your pension directly into BDO bank and all worked out perfectly????
Great....I am now putting on my think cap.
So what information does DWP need to make that transaction ??

yep its there in my BDO account,paid Directly from DWP paid in as peso, DWP do the exchange rate at what they say is a preferable rate and no transfer charges. only thing im still waiting on the letter from DWP which i guess will hold the details of how much per month sterling, and which day of each month ect,

i don't know about them returning my marraige and birth certificate and other original documents as yet,

For transaction DWP will only need the bank details as you know PH doesn't have the IBAN, other than that ---Account holders name/ Bank Branch name and address/account number/account type(savings or checking account or other ) / Bank Branch Code/and Bic number.

you could check online Gov about overseas pensions and you could read the pension application form or even download so you can see the requirements for bank details on that form:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[grahamw48]

I gave DWP all of those (correct) BDO account details OVER THE PHONE (My wife's account)...and the stupid bank still returned the payment to DWP. :Brick:

Left me without my pension for a few weeks. :mad:

I hardly dare try again, though it would suit me much better to have it paid that way.

So, good luck with it Terpe. :cwm25:

[jonnijon]

BPI all the time.

[grahamw48]

I'll ask the Mrs to find out about an account with BPI also then. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[imagine]

I gave DWP all of those (correct) BDO account details OVER THE PHONE (My wife's account)...and the stupid bank still returned the payment to DWP. :Brick:

Left me without my pension for a few weeks. :mad:

I hardly dare try again, though it would suit me much better to have it paid that way.

So, good luck with it Terpe. :cwm25:

i was thinking about this, did BDO say why they returned it, is it possible DWP put forward only your name to the account and didn't give your wifes name, that would be the only reason i can see that it could be returned for, if the name doesn't match the account:Erm:

[imagine]

that's my second payment paid into my BDO account, no problems and n time, though i still haven't received my letter from DWP, i find i need it to prove im in receipt of pension for Phil health, though i don't now why phil health need it before the let me avail:Erm:

[jonnijon]

that's my second payment paid into my BDO account, no problems and n time, though i still haven't received my letter from DWP, i find i need it to prove im in receipt of pension for Phil health, though i don't now why phil health need it before the let me avail:Erm:

I think you need proof because the law changed, you now have to have philhealth in your own name at I think 1,700 pesos per month I am still a dependent on my wifes philhealth as I was registered before the law changed.

[imagine]

I think you need proof because the law changed, you now have to have philhealth in your own name at I think 1,700 pesos per month I am still a dependent on my wifes philhealth as I was registered before the law changed.

yes thanks Johnnijon, i went to see them i am up to date with the new rules, unfortunatly when we went to ireland we let my wifes expire had we kept it going was on her phealth and could have stayed on the old rules,

but what it is now i cant understand why they need proof of receiving pension, it serves no purpose as i will still be paying the same either way plus there will be nothing owing to them on joining as i pay the full year and can add my wife on for free, financialy its not connected to taking out p health , i would have thought all they would need is passport, birth certificate as proof im a pensioner, and marraige certificate for the wife as a dependent

[grahamw48]

It's the land of no logic, as you will probably know by now. :NoNo:

[imagine]

It's the land of no logic, as you will probably know by now. :NoNo:

:icon_lol: true true

[jonnijon]

Something else I thought of is you can now get senior citizen discount card. I have not bothered myself as the wife has just got hers.:xxgrinning--00xx3::xxgrinning--00xx3::xxgrinning--00xx3::xxgrinning--00xx3::xxgrinning--00xx3::xxgrinning--00xx3::xxgrinning--00xx3::xxgrinning--00xx3::xxgrinning--00xx3:

[imagine]

Something else I thought of is you can now get senior citizen discount card. I have not bothered myself as the wife has just got hers.:xxgrinning--00xx3::xxgrinning--00xx3::xxgrinning--00xx3::xxgrinning--00xx3::xxgrinning--00xx3::xxgrinning--00xx3::xxgrinning--00xx3::xxgrinning--00xx3::xxgrinning--00xx3:

great thanks for that :xxgrinning--00xx3:

iv just found a link tells me some details how to apply, will be very helpful for my meds which cost me about 20.000 every 3 months including my daily meds,

seems i have a couple of other things to apply for first before i can apply for the card like - ID card issued by the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs in the place where they reside

and A Philippine Retirement Authority identification card;

https://ofwmoney.org/senior-citizen/

[fred]

Imagine..
Be very careful before applying to the PRA for a senior citizen ID card here..
Make no mistake about it..As a foreigner you are not entitled to one!

[grahamw48]

Imagine..
Be very careful before applying to the PRA for a senior citizen ID card here..
Make no mistake about it..As a foreigner you are not entitled to one!

Agree !

The clue is in the word CITIZEN.

We are NOT Filipino citizens !

It's surprising the number of other expats (not meaning you Stewart) who can't seem to grasp this. :NoNo:

[imagine]

Agree !

The clue is in the word CITIZEN.

We are NOT Filipino citizens !

It's surprising the number of other expats (not meaning you Stewart) who can't seem to grasp this. :NoNo:

but did you check out the link..... and the part that follows Guide to Foreigner to get a Senior Citizen Card in the Philippines, it goes on to say ,, As of 2018, foreigner senior citizens can enjoy the same perks and privileges as that of Filipino senior citizens,this is just one of the links i found about this subject since, reading Johnnijon's reply,

I am now adding as an edit to the above. I have just done further research, a bill was made in 2018 ,to include forigners because of their contribution to philippines but there is nothing to say it was passed as law , more research shows that the bill states that a senior citizen either pinoy or forigner to avail of a discount card must have no more than 60K in income per year, which means a foringer age 60 or above would have to be destitute and if thats the case they shouldnt be in philippines. so there it is

[fred]

but did you check out the link..... and the part that follows Guide to Foreigner to get a Senior Citizen Card in the Philippines, it goes on to say ,, As of 2018, foreigner senior citizens can enjoy the same perks and privileges as that of Filipino senior citizens,this is just one of the links i found about this subject since, reading Johnnijon's reply,

I am now adding as an edit to the above. I have just done further research, a bill was made in 2018 ,to include forigners because of their contribution to philippines but there is nothing to say it was passed as law , more research shows that the bill states that a senior citizen either pinoy or forigner to avail of a discount card must have no more than 60K in income per year, which means a foringer age 60 or above would have to be destitute and if thats the case they shouldnt be in philippines. so there it is

Correct!!
The bill was passed by the house but not yet the Senate or then signed into law by the President.
Given some of the confusing press releases in the past,you can be forgiven for thinking that we can now have these ID cards.
It`s a serious problem as acquiring one is possible but using one is potentially a deport-able offence.:doh

[grahamw48]

Yeah...best forgotten for the moment. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Arthur Little]

:bigcry: ... sadly, despite approaching my mid~70s when over there at the beginning of this year,:olddude: I wasn't considered eligible :NoNo:

Whereas ... :anerikke: ... by contrast, my wife - a native Filipina - who had just newly turned 60 :oldlady: qualified.

[imagine]

oh well , was interesting research :biggrin:

[grahamw48]

They all think I'm only 49 anyway. :cwm25:

Must stop lying about my age. :icon_lol:

[jonnijon]

Sorry guy's I was wrong :xxaction-smiley-047:xxaction-smiley-047:xxaction-smiley-047 Good youtube link here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-3FlgXuT88

[imagine]

Sorry guy's I was wrong :xxaction-smiley-047:xxaction-smiley-047:xxaction-smiley-047 Good youtube link here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-3FlgXuT88

no worries :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[imagine]

Finely at last my letter from DWP that tells me details , how much how often ect, also this should now be good for applying to Philhealth , that letter took a long while, 3 or four country stamps on it so it traveled a bit id say, I had previously called to see the Post master phil post, and told him my concern , he took notes at that time, and yesterday he phoned us to let me know it was now at our post office kept safe and ready for me to pick up, I just love the people here in Malaybalay so friendly and accommodating .

Now all that's left to do is chase DWP up for return of my birth certificate. Marraige certificate and all my nhi and p60 s ect ect, uless they consider them not original, leagal Philippine marraige cert, leagal copy from authoritys i sent away for when i was in uk, and all my documents original:Erm:

of course they might have sent them by snail mail :icon_lol: