I took an annuity pension about 20 years ago when Royal London was formerly CIS (Co-op). It is not a large pension, only around £12,500 fund. I turned 60 years old in May and since around July, I have been trying to access my pension, so far without success.
I have sent all relevant documentation to them including, sending proof of ID, not that I should need any as every time I call them, or they call me, I go through the same security checks etc etc etc!
After sending my signed documents however, they then contacted me a month later to tell me they have not been able to establish my identity. I found this hard to believe, as I have banked with the same bank for over 40 years, I have had a paper trail of mortgages and loans going back over 40 years, I’m a UK resident and tax payer and I am on the voters register!!!
They now wanted someone on authority to certify my ID (passport & driving licence) and I arranged for a close friend a former retired police officer of over 35 years to certify that he had seen my ID.
Once again, I sent these off, but have received further communication rejecting the documents as the person certifying is now retired!!!
After expressing my dissatisfaction to the customer service person, she was quite rude and abrupt, and it was clear I was getting nowhere fast!
She suggested I have my GP certify the documents! You really couldn’t make it up. I would be lucky to see my GP if I was dying, let alone get him to sign my pension ID!!!
It would appear that Royal London do not wish to part with MY money and are seeking to obstruct me at every stage of the process. Do not use this useless company!!! My score is -0/10
Reviewed on: 9th November 2021
