Mobility and pensions - a personal case study - Bologna Seminar 'Penalized for being mobile', Berlin, 12-13 June 2008
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Presentation given at the Bologna Seminar "Penalized for Being Mobile? National Pension Schemes as an Obstacle to Mobility for Researchers in the EHEA" that took place in Berlin on 12-13 June 2008.
Mobility and pensions - a personal case study - Bologna Seminar 'Penalized for being mobile', Berlin, 12-13 June 2008
- 1. Mobility and pensions: a personal case study Dagmar M. Meyer Irish Universities Association
- 2. A few words about my mobility history Im German. Ive lived in Ireland (now - employee) France (postdoc - 2 years employee, 遜 year stipend ) Spain (PhD student 1 year stipend) UK (postgrad - 1 year stipend) Philippines (volunteer - 1 year unpaid) Canada (student - 2 years stipend) and of course in Germany!
- 3. Different pensions schemes Im in State pension schemes in Germany, France, Ireland Mandatory supplementary schemes in France and Germany Private pensions products in Germany (capital life insurance, Riester contract), France and Ireland Was told by German pensions advisor that I might be eligible for some benefits in Canada as I lived there for two years(???)
- 4. So whats the problem??? Hard to keep track of all the different schemes and contracts (9 so far probably more to come)! Vesting periods many different contracts Ive paid into for short periods only At the time of retirement, will have to collect small amounts from different sources, as contracts arent portable
- 5. Some good experiences! Apparently good cooperation between relevant offices regarding state pensions (so far at least!) France/Germany: documentation in both languages, slow but thorough treatment of my questions Ireland/Germany: not much experience so far, but they seem to communicate (received letter from Irish authorities requesting info related to my pensions in Germany)
- 6. And some not so good ones Officer of French supplementary pensions scheme not willing to send mail to address in Germany (will only use your address of last employment in France)!! German company that sold me the Riester contract unaware of legal issues (tax benefits etc. have to be returned upon leaving country currently under scrutiny (?)) Advisor of Irish pensions company could not tell me whether the product I bought would be transferable to another country or not (eventually he found out it isnt to Germany!)
- 7. And general nuisance related to bureaucracy and paperwork Letter from German state pensions office explaining my entitlements (including contributions made abroad) is 16 pages long. They really made an effort, but: Ive read it twice, I have a PhD in maths, and I still dont fully understand it!!