Delayed Civil Service Pension Forces Woman to Sell Belongings
A woman facing severe financial struggles has been compelled to sell her belongings due to delays in her civil service pension. Judith Longden, a 61-year-old former social care worker, is among many affected by a backlog in pension payments caused by the recent transition of the Civil Service Pension Scheme to Capita.
Background of the Pension Transition
In December 2025, the administration of the Civil Service Pension Scheme was transferred from MyCSP to Capita. This change led to significant delays, resulting in payment issues for numerous retirees.
Judith Longden’s Situation
Judith Longden retired in December 2025 after suffering two strokes the previous year. She decided to leave her position at Ofsted due to health concerns but was unaware of potential pension delays until shortly before Christmas.
The Impact of Pension Delays
Since her retirement, Judith has had no access to her pension funds, which has forced her to rely on her dwindling savings. In her words, “I’m relying on the pension money… I don’t know what else I’m going to do.” Her dire situation escalated after her husband passed away two weeks post-retirement, further adding to her financial strain.
- Judith has spent her savings on her husband’s funeral, thinking she would have a lump sum from her pension.
- With no pension payments, she fears losing her home due to mounting debts.
- She has started selling her husband’s camera collection to cover basic bills.
Capita’s Response to the Crisis
Capita acknowledged the issues, issuing an apology for the distress caused to pensioners. A spokesperson revealed that the company inherited a backlog of 86,000 cases from the previous administrator. Capita has committed to prioritizing urgent cases and increasing its staff to resolve the delays.
Government Involvement
Judith’s local MP, Jo White, expressed her concern over the situation. She stated that it is “completely unacceptable” for civil servants to face such challenges due to administrative failures. The government has announced plans to offer interest-free loans to affected individuals to provide temporary financial relief while the pension issues are resolved.
Conclusion
The ongoing situation highlights the challenges many retirees face in accessing their pensions amidst administrative chaos. Judith Longden’s case serves as a reminder of the critical impact these delays can have on individuals’ lives.
As this situation unfolds, many await improvements in the administration of the Civil Service Pension Scheme, aiming for a resolution that ensures retirees receive the support they desperately need.
