More than 363,000 pensioners living in the EU will receive letters reassuring them their UK State Pension will continue to be paid once Britain leaves Union.
This week, letters will be sent out outlining that even if the UK leaves without a deal, pensions for those in the EU will be uprated for a further three years – an increase of at least 2.5% annually for the duration of this Parliament, worth up to £200 a year per person.
Pensioners will be told they do not need to do anything to continue receiving their State Pension.
During the three-year period, the UK government plans to negotiate a new arrangement with the EU to ensure that uprating continues.
“Pensioners in Europe who have paid into the system for years deserve peace of mind over their future finances,” said Work and Pensions Secretary Dr Thérèse Coffey. “Not only are we providing much-needed reassurance for hundreds of thousands of retirees, we’re ensuring we are fully prepared for leaving the EU on 31st October.
“No matter the circumstances of Brexit, we’ve made sure that pensioners do not need to take any action to continue receiving their hard-earned State Pension.”
A new dedicated call centre team based in Newcastle has also been established in order to answer any questions from those affected.
The uprating will also affect those living in the European Economic Area (EEA) states and Switzerland.
Article published 30th September 2019