Learn about ill health annuity mis-selling and how to claim your rightful pension if you qualify for an enhanced annuity
When you reach retirement age, your personal pension provider will convert your retirement fund into a regular pension income, known as an annuity. The amount you receive each month depends on factors such as your age, health, and whether you want to provide for your spouse. However, many individuals with health issues may have been mis-sold their annuity, receiving a lower pension than they are entitled to. This article will explore the concept of ill health annuity mis-selling and how you can claim your rightful pension.
Ill Health Annuity: The Basics
Insurers recognise that people with certain health conditions are likely to have a shorter life expectancy, and thus, will be receiving their pension for fewer years than those in good health. As a result, these individuals can qualify for higher pensions, sometimes up to 60% more than the standard rate. Some common conditions that may qualify for an enhanced pension include:
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Cancer
- Heart disease
- Kidney or other major organ failure
- Asthma
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- High cholesterol
- Obesity
The Problem with Ill Health Annuity Mis-selling
Unfortunately, many pension providers failed to adequately check their customers’ health conditions before setting up their annuities. This oversight led to a significant number of individuals receiving a lower pension than they should have. It is estimated that 8 out of 10 people who took their pension from the same insurance company that ran their pension plan may have received a bad deal if they were in ill health.
Identifying Mis-selling
You may have been a victim of mis-selling if your pension provider did not do the following when setting up your annuity:
- Ask about your health
- Inform you of the medical conditions that qualified for a higher pension
- Advise you to shop around for the best annuity deal
- Disclose if they did not offer enhanced annuities, but other insurers did
Taking Action: Contact Greg Vaughan Financial Services
If you believe you were mis-sold an annuity due to your health, contact Greg Vaughan Financial Services for a free, no-obligation assessment of your case. You can reach Greg by using the provided contact form or by calling 0151 329 0775. If your claim is successful, you will be entitled to a higher pension going forward, along with a lump sum for past higher pension payments you missed out on. Please note that you may need to provide medical evidence from your doctor to support your claim.
Conclusion
It’s crucial to be aware of ill health annuity mis-selling and take action if you believe you’re receiving a lower pension than you deserve. By contacting Greg Vaughan Financial Services and providing the necessary information, you can claim your rightful pension and ensure you’re financially secure during your retirement years.
