These people are dedicated to not letting you anywhere near your money

To the Editor,

It was very interesting to read the article by Clara Villanueva (Connexion, October) referencing her application for a French pension.

I started the process in February this year and to date (eight months later) I am nowhere near achieving my objective.

I have experienced similar frustrations with CARSAT and I, too, reached out for assistance from France Services.

The communication channels are pre-historic despite the use of modern technologies.

Another element that is not referenced in Clara's article is the complementary element of the pension, which in my case is managed by Agirc-Arrco.

Now these people are really dedicated to not letting you anywhere near the money that is rightfully yours. I have had two face-to-face meetings in their offices and can best describe it as unpleasant.

My advice to anybody applying is to do so well in advance of your retirement date, be prepared for a high level of inefficiency and mismanagement, and, most importantly, be prepared to present documents dating back to the very first day that you did any paid employment, regardless of which country you were residing in at that time.

As for me, the next meeting with France Services is in two weeks’ time. Wish me luck!

M.H., by email

Have you had a similar experience? Write to us at letters@connexionfrance.com