Over 52 years pension subsidy problem

[Marion]

HELP! After 6 months of collecting the relevant information on my NI contributions in Spain, Gibraltar and U.K. I was, last July granted the over 52 yrs long term benefit after my spanish unemployment benefit ran out. I began recieving it in January of 2011, paid monthly into my bank account. I had to still "sign" at the INEM office every three months, which I have done so, religiously.

I have a Aptd. (post office box) and recieved notication that a registered letter had arrived for me, but when I took it too the counter they informed me it had been returned to sender as I had not been there for 15 days to collect mail. They could not tell me who or where it was from and said there was no way of finding out.

I signed on on 13th July, the registered letter notification showed 14th July, 2011. I was then ill and did not collect my post until October 2011. I do not recieve bank statements as I was "on line" - but no longer as I had to sell my computer.

I signed on again in October and on January 12th this year. I had telephoned my bank and they informed me that no payments had been received from INEM since July 2011. I went to the INEM (appointment) and asked them, they informed me because I had not replied to the registered letter and come in to sign a piece of paper to inform them that my circumstances had not changed, I would loose all the money from July until February!

I argued my case, they could see I did not recieve the letter, and I filled in a Reclamacion Previa to try and recoup the money. The woman told me very little chance!

As this subsidy is based on my NI contributions, and I did not recieve the registered letter could anybody PLEASE advise me how I can take this further.... they KNOW my circumstances have not changed as I have been signing on faithfully every three months, and I believe they are just (as with many) trying to hold back any money they can.

PLEASE HELP!

Thank you very, very much

[Robster]

If your Spanish is up to it you could try calling the Instituto Nacional de la Seguridad, Subdireccion General de Relaciones Internatcionaleas on 900-616-200, or www.seg-social.es to see if they may be of any assistance.

Good Luck !

[Mekon]

It sounds to me that you need to get someone involved here who is both a Native spanish speaker AND who is familiar with the system. I'm sure it would be worth the time and expense to speak with your Abogado or Asesor here.

[Marion]

Thank you all for your advice! I have been trying ring the number they told me to ring at end of January - it seems to have a constantly recorded message "the wait is 6 minutes long" and so it goes on...and on... and on.

I am going to call the other number kindly suggested and also I have been to see a lady in our village who is KNOWN (and spanish) for sorting out these problems.

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR HELP!

[Beachbabe]

I agree Marion, quite often it is frustrating in Spain when you have a problem like this and you do all the right things at the right time to try and resolve it, but it is usually the instances when you speak with somebody 'who knows the system' that magically seems to be able to get things done.

[Marion]

Thanks! I have been today to see a Gestor with my friend who is fluent in Spanish.

The Gestor was told all the facts but she is not hopeful in getting anywhere. She says she will try going on the "did not recieve the regsitered letter" bit, but THE LAW IS THE LAW and even though they KNOW I did not recieve the letter (as it was returned to them), they are unlikely to pay.

I am really in dispair about this, it is a lot of money to lose, and the fact that I was signing on RIGHT OPPOSITE the woman (and the DAY BEFORE) I was sent the registered letter, it does not seem to matter at all. I feel very, very angry and I am not sure what to do next.... If anybody has come across this problem and solved it, I would be very grateful for your help. It has really put me in a very bad situation financially, so much so I may have to sell my house, which is still incomplete and would raise nothing.

But another thanks to all for your advice - it is really appreciated.

Marion

[Robster]

Good Luck Marion, let us know how it all works out - which hopefully it will.

[Marion]

Thank you! I think I MAY qualify to help anybody else who has a problem of this kind by the time this is all finished!

[Mekon]

It's sad to npote that this kind of 'nit picking' by the Spanish authorities has been on the rise for some time now, and I can only assume that it will continue to be a problem for many expats who for no fault of their own will find themselves falling foul of the system.

[Marion]

Oh you are so right! I have many friends here in Spain, who, as I can speak a bit of Spanish I have tried to help with getting through all the "red tape" - some I have, others, like me have not been provided with sufficient information, and find when they go back they are told "oh, but you should have done this etc., etc.," - to find they have spent up to a year "signing on", thinking they were becoming qualified, only to find one piece of paper was missing.... I know the spanish system is in crisis - but so are we! My gestor has told me she has telephoned and they have still refused my "reclaim" of monies owed, now we have written a letter... she is not hopeful. Any other suggestions of what to do next much appreciated - I am very angry at this unjustified decision, but feel helpless as to what to do next! Thank you again for all your helpful advice!