Daughter upset as mum’s pension stopped since June 2024 with no explanation from administrators. Months of struggle to restore payments.

Retired Accountant’s Battle to Secure Elderly Mother’s Pension Ends in Tears

Widow’s Pension Payments Halted Without Explanation

Mervis Stanley, an 87-year-old widow, has not received her private pension payments since June 2024, leaving her and her family distressed. The pension, which was a widow’s benefit from her late husband George Stanley’s employment at Gillette in Reading, was managed by administrators Aon. Despite numerous attempts to clarify the situation, no explanation was provided for the sudden stoppage, according to her daughter, Annetta Stanley.

Annetta, who holds power of attorney for her mother and manages her financial affairs, described the ordeal as emotionally overwhelming. “The experience has left me in tears,” she said. “I’m fighting really hard on behalf of my mother but I’m really worried about the impact that not having the pension is having on her.”

Family History Rooted in Windrush Generation

George Stanley was part of the Windrush generation, arriving in the UK in the early 1960s to help fill post-war labor shortages and contribute to rebuilding the British economy. His wife Mervis and daughter Annetta joined him a year later. The family initially settled in Birmingham before moving to Reading, where George worked at the Gillette factory.

After retiring, the couple relocated to Jamaica in 1995. Following George’s death in 2006, his work pension was passed on to Mervis, providing her with monthly payments of approximately £500 for 19 years. However, after Aon assumed administration of the pension scheme in 2024, the payments abruptly ceased.

Ongoing Struggle to Restore Pension Payments

Annetta Stanley has made dozens of calls, sent emails, and written letters to Aon since February, seeking answers and reinstatement of her mother’s pension. “My father worked really hard for that money so I feel very cross that someone can just stop it and not give me an explanation why,” she said. “My parents came to the UK to help rebuild the economy. It’s appalling that we’ve been treated this way.”

Currently, Annetta is covering her mother’s bills using the state pension, but she expressed concern about the lack of funds for urgent needs such as hospital visits. “She’s an elderly woman with health issues, and the uncertainty around her pension is causing real hardship,” Annetta added.

Aon Responds After Media Attention

Following contact from the BBC, Aon confirmed it would resume payments to Mrs. Stanley and compensate her for the arrears owed. This development brings some relief to the family after months of distress and uncertainty.

The case highlights the challenges faced by elderly pensioners and their families when administrative issues disrupt vital income streams, especially for those who contributed significantly to the UK’s post-war recovery.