Attention British expats

Information on the changes to the United Kingdom State Pension provisions is now available on a website and British expatriates are being urged to visit it by the Pension Service of the UK. The changes came into force on 6 April 2005 and the government claims they will provide more choice for people when they reach state pension age, but that it is important they familiarise themselves with the options. The section to look for is entitled "Your State Pension choice - Pension now or extra Pension later: a guide to State Pension deferral". The website is: www.thepensionservice.gov.uk or call the International Pension Centre direct on + 44 191 21 82828. A textphone service is available for those with speech or hearing difficulties on +44 191 21 87280. All services are available free of charge and those concerned about the cost of the call can ask the operator to call them straight back. Opening hours are 8am to 8pm (UK time) Monday to Friday, except Bank Holidays. The address for written queries is: The Pension Service International Pension Centre (claims) Tyneview Park Benton Newcastle upon Tyne England NE98 1BA