In late 2013, the UK Treasury Department announced that expatriates over the age of 75 needed to periodically prove they are alive in order to claim their pensions. This new requirement only applies to countries that do not automatically share data about deaths with the UK. Sharing arrangements are in place with Australia, Spain, the US and New Zealand, but not Canada. In countries that do not share information with the UK, it is up to relatives to notify authorities, which is not always happening. The UK government took this new measure to counteract this situation, and to prevent friends and family members from claiming pension payments after an elderly relative has died. According to UK Chancellor George Osborne's 2013 Autumn Statement, "The government will increase its activity on life certificates to ensure that state pension payments to pensioners living abroad are being made correctly, to shorten the period in which payment may continue erroneously after the person is deceased." A Treasury source was quoted as saying: "We currently pay a bit of money to people who are dead, and we don't know they are dead, and their families keep the money." The new Life Certificate scheme will eliminate these fraudsters, and ensure that pension payments get to those who need and deserve them. It is estimated that it will save UK taxpayers 45 million pounds over 2 years.
So, with this new system in place, if you live in Vancouver and receive a UK pension, you must now send proof to the UK Pension Service that they should continue paying you. In other words, the UK Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) wants evidence that you are still alive and kicking! This is accomplished by sending a completed Life Certificate (also known as a 'Declaration of Existence') to the International Pension Centre in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. Once you recieve the CF(N)698 Life Certificate (along with the CF-N-701 information leaflet), you must complete and return the Life Certificate form within 8 weeks from the date on the form. Failure to do so will result in the suspension of your pension payments. Prior to November 7, 2013, UK embassies and consulates would assist pensioners with these forms with their signing service, but this is no longer the case.
Brosgall Legal | Notary Services would be pleased to assist you complete your Life Certificate for the UK Pension Service. Adam Brosgall is fully qualified Notary Public, Commissioner of Oaths, and Lawyer. He is licenced and insured to swear UK Life Certificates for UK pensioners living in Vancouver, BC. Please visit our home page for further details about our firm. If you have any questions, or if you would like to book a notary appointment, please call 604-685-2326. We offer same day service, and last minute walk-ins are always welcome. If you are unable to visit our office, mobile notary visits can also be arranged.
I Received a 'Life Certificate' Form - What Should I Do?
When you receive the Life Certificate and information leaflet, contact our office right away to book an appointment. Please bring your photo ID when you visit our office. Acceptable ID includes your passport, National Identity Card, or Driver's Licence. We witness you signing the Life Certificate, and we'll ensure that the form has been filled out properly. After you have signed the Life Certificate, we will sign, date, stamp and seal the form ourselves. Finally, you simply mail the completed Life Certificate to the International Pension Centre in the UK, and your money will continue to arrive from the UK.
Who Can Act As A Witness?
A Life Certificate witness cannot be related to you, or live with you. They should be a professional person or a person in good standing in the community. Acceptable examples include lawyers, barristers, solicitors, or notaries. As we fit all of these qualifications, we have more than sufficient standing to complete your form. By having us act as your witness, you'll never need to worry about the Life Certificate being rejected by the UK Pension Service due to an unsuitable witness.
Where Must You Send The Life Certificate?
Once you have signed the Life Certificate form, and had it properly witnessed by us, you should send it to the following address: The Pension Service, International Pension Centre, Tyneview Park, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE98 1BA England.
The Pension Service's other contact details are as follows:
- Telephone: +44-191-218-7777
- Email: tvp.ipccsst@thepensionservice.gsi.gov.uk
- Fax: +44-191-218-7307
Life Certificates Also Required for Brazil, India, Germany, Etc...
Just like with pensioners from the UK, Life Certificates are now required for pensioners from many other countries, including Brazil, India, Germany, etc... Brosgall Legal can swear or witness Life Certificates for any country. The procedure and requirements are often quite similar to those mentioned above for the UK. Simply schedule an appointment at our office, and bring all the forms that were sent to you, plus your photo ID. We'll make sure everything is processed correctly, so that your pension funds do not get suspended.
Vancouver Notary Public, Commissioner of Oaths, and Lawyer
Brosgall Legal's owner and principal, Adam Brosgall, is an experienced Vancouver Notary Public, Commissioner of Oaths, and Lawyer. He is fully qualified, licenced, and insured to act as the witness on UK and other Life Certificates. If you have any questions or need an appointment, please send us an email, or call 604-685-2326. We look forward to seeing you.