Protects eligible defined benefit pensions. Products & services: Pension protection.
- Website
- ppf.co.uk
- Location
- UK-wide
Making a claim against Pension Protection Fund
If Pension Protection Fund has caused you a financial loss, you may have grounds to claim compensation. Claims are decided on the facts and the evidence you can provide, so it helps to understand what you can claim for before you begin.
This guide explains the types of claim common across the pensionssector, the steps to take first, and the evidence you’ll want to gather.
Claims may include:
- Losses from pension scams or liberation
- Unsuitable transfer or investment advice
- Maladministration, errors and delays
- Miscalculated or underpaid benefits
- Lost or ignored paperwork and instructions
- Incorrect or misleading information
- Failure to follow the scheme rules
What can you claim for?
- Pension scam or transfer
Were you moved into a scam or unsuitable scheme and lost money?
Learn more - Unsuitable advice
Were you advised to transfer a final-salary pension you shouldn't have?
Learn more - Maladministration
Did errors, delays or lost paperwork cost you money?
Learn more - Miscalculated benefits
Was your pension calculated or paid at the wrong amount?
Learn more
Before you claim
- 1Use the scheme's complaints process
Raise it with the provider or trustees and follow their internal dispute procedure (IDRP).
- 2Allow time for a response
Give them the chance to investigate — usually up to eight weeks.
- 3Collect your pension paperwork
Statements, transfer forms, advice reports and scheme correspondence.
- 4Refer to the Pensions Ombudsman
If unresolved, the Pensions Ombudsman is free and its decisions are legally binding.
Evidence checklist
- Annual pension statements
- Transfer or application forms
- Financial advice report or suitability letter
- Scheme rules or member booklet
- Correspondence with the provider or trustees
- Internal dispute (IDRP) decision letters
- Proof of contributions paid
- A timeline of the key dates
- Ombudsman outcome (if applicable)
Start your claim
Tell us a little about what happened and we’ll help you check whether you have a valid claim against Pension Protection Fund.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I get money back if I lost out in a pension scam or bad transfer?
Possibly. The Pensions Ombudsman can order a scheme to put things right — including making good losses or reinstating benefits — and its decisions are legally binding on the provider.
Do I complain to the Pensions Ombudsman or the Financial Ombudsman?
Complaints about how a scheme was run — maladministration, delays or miscalculations — go to the Pensions Ombudsman, while complaints about regulated advice to transfer or invest usually go to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
What counts as maladministration?
It covers mistakes, delays, lost paperwork, incorrect or misleading information, or a failure to follow the correct procedures by the administrator, trustees or employer, where this has caused you loss or distress.
Is there a time limit for complaining?
The Pensions Ombudsman normally applies a three-year limit from the act you are complaining about, or from when you should reasonably have known about it, so it is important to act promptly.
Do I need a solicitor?
No. You must use the scheme’s internal dispute procedure first, but the Pensions Ombudsman is free to use and you do not need a solicitor or a claims company to complain.
This information is general guidance and is not legal advice.
Relevant legislation
The main laws and regulations that may apply to a claim in the pensions sector:
- Pension Schemes Act 1993
- Pensions Act 1995
- Pension Schemes Act 2021
- Financial Services and Markets Act 2000
Check whether you can claim money back from Pension Protection Fund in a few minutes — no obligation.