Preparing for Retirement
IAEA, 2 October, 2002
Preparing for Retirement
Contents
THIS BOOK, THE SEMINAR AND THE WEBSITE...... 1 This Book...... 1 The Seminar ...... 1 The Website...... 1
LIFE IN RETIREMENT ...... 3 A BRIEF GUIDE TO LIFE IN RETIREMENT ...... 3 Introduction ...... 3 A basic premise and a new situation...... 3 Possible openings...... 4 Maintaining contact...... 4 The preliminaries ...... 5 Where to live...... 5 Residence permits for Austria ...... 6 Tax liabilities ...... 6 Your pension...... 7 Pension adjustment ...... 8 Taxation ...... 8 Tax exemption on UN pensions ...... 9 Health insurance...... 9 Keep in good health...... 9 YOUR RETIREMENT BUDGET ...... 11
SEPARATION FORMALITIES ...... 15 SEPARATION FORMALITIES...... 15 Retirement: Definition and notification...... 15 Travel and shipment entitlements...... 15 Clearance form ...... 16 Repatriation grant ...... 16 End of service allowance...... 16 Retiree pass...... 17 TIME SCHEDULE ON SEPARATION ...... 19 Approximately 2 – 5 months prior to separation:...... 19 Staying in Austria:...... 19 Leaving Austria:...... 19 One month prior to separation:...... 19 At the latest five (eight in UNOV) working days prior to separation: ...... 20 Last day of duty: ...... 20 For P and non-local GS staff only:...... 20 Immediately after arrival at the repatriation destination: ...... 20 Six months after separation:...... 20 One year after separation:...... 20 Two years after separation:...... 20 SEPARATION FROM SERVICE — SOURCES OF INFORMATION...... 21 For IAEA staff...... 21 SEPARATION FROM SERVICE — SOURCES OF INFORMATION...... 23 For UNOV staff...... 23
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SEPARATION FROM SERVICE — SOURCES OF INFORMATION...... 25 For UNIDO staff ...... 25
PENSION ...... 27 THE UNITED NATIONS JOINT STAFF PENSION FUND (UNJSPF) ...... 27 Request a pension estimate ...... 27 Consult with your local Pension Fund Secretariat...... 27 Submission of proof of residence (the two-track system)...... 28 Separation formalities...... 29 Pension Forms...... 31 List of forms available...... 31 AUSTRIAN PENSION INSURANCE ...... 33
HEALTH AND LIFE INSURANCE ...... 35 COVERAGE FOR IAEA STAFF ...... 35 After-service Medical Insurance Plan (AMIP)...... 35 Life Insurance ...... 37 ‘Paid’ insurance coverage ...... 37 ‘Free’ insurance coverage ...... 37 COVERAGE FOR UNIDO & UNOV STAFF...... 39 After Service Health Insurance (ASHI) ...... 39 Eligibility for continued coverage...... 39 How to obtain continued coverage...... 40 ASHI in the UNOV/UNIDO Group Medical Insurance Plan...... 40 ASHI Coverage in the Austrian Sickness Insurance (GKK) ...... 43 After-Service Life Insurance (ASLI) ...... 44
GENERAL INFORMATION...... 45 INFORMATION FOR THOSE WHO STAY IN AUSTRIA AFTER RETIREMENT...... 45 Introduction ...... 45 Your status vis-à-vis the Austrian law when you cease to be an official ...... 45 Identity Card (‘Legitimationskarte’) ...... 45 Residence registration (Meldezettel) ...... 46 How to obtain a residence permit in Austria...... 46 Procedures for application of Austrian Residence permit ...... 47 Liability for certain taxes and dues ...... 51 (a) Changes due to the Austrian membership in the EU (1 January 1995) ..51 (b) Income tax (‘Einkommensteuer’) ...... 51 (c) Capital yields tax (‘Kapitalertragssteuer’ - KEST)...... 52 (d) Property tax (‘Vermoegenssteuer’) ...... 52 (e) Inheritance and gift tax (‘Erbschafts- und Schenkungssteuer’) ...... 52 (f) Real property acquisition tax (‘Grundetwerbsteuer’)...... 52 (g) Dues for Radio and TV ...... 52 (h) Road Tax...... 53 (i) Church contributions ...... 53 (j) Dog Licenses...... 53 (k) Customs duties...... 53 (l) V A T Reimbursements: ...... 53 Financial matters and transactions...... 54 Hobbies, studies, travel and activities for senior citizens ...... 54 (a) VIC Clubs ...... 54 (b) Language classes ...... 54 (c) University studies and ‘Volkshochschule’ ...... 54 (d) Travel ...... 54 (e) Public transport (Oeffentliche Verkehrsmittel) in Vienna ...... 55 (f) Pensioners’ clubs...... 55 ii Preparing for Retirement
Health care and welfare facilities for senior citizens...... 55 (a) General practitioners...... 55 (b) Medical check-up ...... 56 (c) Service Department for Foreign Patients ...... 56 (d) Social services of the City of Vienna ...... 56 (e ) ‘Seniorenwoche’...... 57 Legal Assistance...... 57 Accommodation ...... 57 (a) Tenants’ Association: ‘Mietervereinigung’ ...... 58 (b) Association for Consumer Information (‘Verein fuer Konsumenteninformation’) ...... 58 (c) Arbitration Board (‘Schlichtungsstelle’) ...... 59 (d) Accommodation Advice of the City of Vienna...... 59 INFORMATION FOR THOSE WHO LEAVE AUSTRIA ...... 61 Termination of Leases ...... 61 Utilities and Telephone ...... 61 Private Insurance Contracts ...... 62 Schools ...... 62 Societies, subscriptions, etc...... 62 Forwarding Order...... 62 Banks...... 62 USEFUL ADDRESSES...... 63 VIC & UN ...... 63 Austrian Social Security System:...... 64 ASSOCIATION OF RETIRED INTERNATIONAL CIVIL SERVANTS IN AUSTRIA (ARICSA) ...... 67 Aims...... 67 The Executive Committee...... 68 Services and issues...... 68 FEDERATION OF ASSOCIATIONS OF FORMER INTERNATIONAL CIVIL SERVANTS (FAFICS)...... 69
ANNEX ...... 73 EXAMPLE UNJSPF FORMS...... 73 UNJSPF Instructions of payment of benefits...... 75 Change in payment instructions ...... 77 Designation of Recipient of a Residual Settlement ...... 79 Information note on Declaration of Country of Residence...... 81 Declaration of Country of Residence...... 81 Instructions for Payment of Benefits (Disability and Death Benefits) ...... 83 Change of Mailing Address Only ...... 85
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Preparing for Retirement
THIS BOOK, THE SEMINAR AND THE WEBSITE
This Book The Division of Personnel hopes that the information contained in this folder will be of use to staff members prior to and after retirement, and that they will keep it at hand for reference, adding to it any new material that may become available. The book is also available in electronic form in PDF format on the Staff Development website.
The Seminar The seminar is not intended to replace individual consultations, but is meant to provide a forum for open discussion of common concerns. Any attached information cannot replace reference to rules and circulars, as it only touches in a very general manner on matters that you should pursue individually with the offices concerned. Please also bear in mind that the enclosed material was collected and prepared in the current year, based on the applicable rules and procedures, which may have changed by the time of your retirement.
The Website The website for the Staff Development Group in the Division of Personnel contains an electronic version of this book. This version will always represent the most up-to-date version of the document. It can be copied (down loaded) for browsing on home computers. The links to other websites will of course be ‘live’ from this electronic copy although links in the IAEA internal intranet will not be accessible from computers outside the Agency’s network. The website will also have links to other material which may have some related relevance to retirement issues. The site is part of the Agency’s internal intranet and as such cannot be accessed from outside the Agency’s network. From within the Agency it is available from OASIS (choose Staff Development and then Staff Training) or type the following URL directly into your web browser. http://intranet.iaea.org/lrc/training/staff_training/pre_retirement/
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Preparing for Retirement
LIFE IN RETIREMENT
A brief guide to life in retirement
ARICSA December 2001
Introduction As we move increasingly towards a society that sees retirees as both beneficiaries and agents of human development and towards a society that recognises its older members, their needs and interests, it is essential that upon retiring we maintain a healthy life-style, a vital intellect and a fair measure of will power Ever since joining the organisation that employed you, you have known exactly when you would reach retirement age. Therefore most of you will be mentally well prepared for the step into retirement, having thought extensively about the decisions and measures that you need to take. As you all know, it is not only boy scouts who have to be prepared. Thus, entering a new phase of life can be an exciting and challenging undertaking.
A basic premise and a new situation A basic premise: the transition from working to retired life can be as traumatic or as smooth as you wish to make it. The difficulties of adjustment can be effectively avoided. Even though retirement does not creep up on you unexpectedly, adapting to a new pattern of life at home after an active career can be one of the most difficult things about retirement for you and your partner. If your spouse was accustomed to being alone in the house most of the day, then time and effort will be needed to share the living accommodation available in harmony. In the interest of that harmony it is useful, if not essential, for each partner to have his or her own space, both physiologically and psychologically speaking. Sometimes the acquisition of a cordless telephone or separate telephones can prove a boon. While still in active service, most staff imagine that they are going to have oodles of time on their hands once they have retired. Some even worry about impending boredom. Usually this fear proves unfounded. However, it must not be ignored that your daily life will no longer be determined by office routine and regular working hours. In retirement you have to plan your own schedule more consciously than before. It is important that you keep some sort of timetable, albeit a more relaxed one. Failure to do so might well mean that your life becomes disorganised; this can prove most irritating – especially for others.
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Possible openings You should think seriously about what you want to do with your newfound time. Paid work? Volunteer work? Pursue hobbies? Study? Travel? Write? Paint? The possibilities are manifold. Moreover, none of them are mutually exclusive. Under normal circumstances you will find that, helped by your own inclinations and efforts, a pattern of living and leisure evolves that fits your means, your needs and your desires. The Vienna-based organisations have a host of sporting, cultural or social clubs and activities. All VIC clubs are pleased to welcome retirees (a list of the clubs can be obtained from ARICSA). Those wishing to pursue a course of studies can inform themselves about opportunities offered under a scheme for senior citizens drawn up by the Austrian Ministry of Education. Some 12,000 senior citizens are currently enrolled at university. At the same time, courses are offered by the English-speaking (US) universities based in Vienna, albeit at a price. Another window of opportunity is offered by the British Open University, which has a representative in Vienna, while the broad gamut of courses offered by the local Volkshochschulen should not be overlooked. They range from language classes and general courses in the humanities and science to physical training and handicrafts. People wanting know more about computers, for instance, might join a course at the Berufsförderungsinstitut (bfi) or at NETclub – both of which, in common with the Volkshochschulen, call for a command of German.. Vienna also boasts a large number of non-governmental institutions and charities that are grateful for volunteers and active support. Moreover, as staff will have come to appreciate over the years, there are regular talks given by visitors of repute, particularly during the Vienna Festival or in the framework of various political and civic groups. All these open up opportunities for closer social contacts with your new-found environment.
Maintaining contact You will find it helpful to discuss your preoccupations with former colleagues who have already gone into retirement. They have already made many of the decisions that you will now have to make and they can tell you whether, with the benefit of hindsight, they would still opt for the same solution. Moreover, you will want to keep in touch with your organisation and its present and former staff. In most major duty stations former international civil servants have banded together to form an association. In the case of Vienna, the group is known as the Association of Retired International Civil Servants in Austria (ARICSA) [e-mail [email protected]]. It is open to all international civil servants in Austria irrespective of the organisation in which they served. ARICSA is a member of the worldwide Federation of Associations of Former International Civil Servants (FAFICS) – to which more than 20 other associations are affiliated – that represents all pensioners on the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Board and enjoys consultative status with ECOSOC. ARICSA publishes a regular Newsletter and organises outings for its members. It holds a general meeting twice a year to discuss matters of concern to the Association and organises a number of activities. It runs a telephone service as a help-line and it disposes of the services of a health counsellor. A leaflet describing the Association in greater detail is attached. Membership costs EUR 10 a year; life membership EUR 180; associate membership for non-residents costs EUR 7 and for surviving spouses EUR 3.
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The following sections of this guide are devoted to certain aspects that the authors feel merit the attention of people on the threshold to retirement. On such basic questions as pensions, health insurance, residence permits or taxes, this guide can only set out the general framework and indicate where to seek authoritative and more complete information. By their very nature, certain questions are more difficult to answer because they depend on individual circumstances and preferences: where should you live; how can you manage on a pension instead of a salary; what occupations and leisure activities are open to you; how can you continue to serve the ideals of international co-operation; how can you maintain links with your organisation and former colleagues. Some of these issues have already been addressed above and others will be treated below. The guide makes no claim to completeness and has limited itself to some considerations that are commonly overlooked – and it may have overlooked some itself!
The preliminaries Three autonomous UN organisations and several autonomous programmes are based in Vienna. Although these institutions may differ in various ways, they have certain things in common. This guide therefore addresses those commonalties and it should apply to all retiring international civil servants, even though it is primarily aimed at those who intend to settle in or around Vienna. Naturally some administrative formalities are required on retirement. Your organisation will arrange these with you. For the most part they comprise: Separation payments: these include final salary, pay for accumulated leave (max. 60 days) and repatriation grant (if payable) as well as end-of-service allowance (if applicable). Clearance form: you will receive this for completion a month before separation. If you return a fully completed form five working days prior to your last working day, you should receive your separation payments in full before you leave. Final medical examination: you will be called by the Joint Medical Service. Repatriation travel and shipment of household effects: if the organisation is paying for this, be sure to arrange everything before leaving. Grounds pass: you should return your grounds pass in the course of the clearance formalities. If you are entitled to a UN pension and intend to continue residing in Vienna, you may collect a retiree pass on your last day of duty. This pass, which is also available to your spouse, affords you entry into the VIC complex during normal working hours and for staff club activities outside working hours. It does not entitle you to enter the Commissary. But rest assured, there is life after the Commissary!
Where to live Where you ultimately elect to settle depends on a wide range of personal considerations, but there are usually four basic possibilities, each with its pros and cons. 1. Stay in or around Vienna 2. Return to your home town or to your home country 3. Go to a third country 4. Divide your time between two or more countries.
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Some factors are obviously important, for instance: whether you wish to be near family or friends, language and culture; facilities for your future activities. Some less obvious considerations that are sometimes overlooked: Your home country, home town and even friends and relations may not be as you remembered them. Nostalgia is not what it used to be! Because of your international career, you may now have interests and attitudes that differ from those of your former circle who stayed at home. People can grow out of things. A third country may appeal on account of its scenery, climate, low taxes or way of life. If you fell in love with it when on holiday, however, it is worth remembering that living there permanently can be very different. The snags may take some time to appear. Given these factors, some people opt to spend a few years in what they perceive to be paradise before settling down in more mundane surroundings that provide the amenities that one needs in advancing old age. Dividing your time and efforts between different residences becomes a hassle with increasing age. Bear in mind that, as you get older, you appreciate having a good public transport system and ready access to shopping and medical facilities.
Residence permits for Austria While in service, the Legitimationskarte automatically entitles you to live in Austria without having to register with the police. However, upon retirement, if you wish to continue residing in Austria after retirement, you must request the Pass Office to obtain a certificate confirming the return of the card. This is an essential document in the subsequent securement of a residence permit. Registration as such involves purchasing the forms at the neighbourhood tobacconists’ and having the completed forms registered and stamped by the local police station. Retired staff enjoy the same exemption from immigration restrictions that applies to officials of the organisation. However, it is necessary that you set your application in motion at least 2 to 3 months before retirement. The pre-retirement file provides a complete overview of the documents needed and the requirements to be met by the various nationalities1. It is also useful to have a certificate showing your service with the organisation as well as a certificate confirming social security coverage; these can be obtained from the Personnel Services in the various organisations.
Tax liabilities Although you will exempt from income tax on your United Nations pension, you will be subject to other Austrian taxes and fees. These include: VAT on bank deposits, income tax on income over and above the UN pension, capital gains tax (KESt), inheritance and gift tax, property
1 For persons reading this guide who may not have attended a pre-retirement seminar, the overview can be obtained from the appropriate section in the Personnel Service of the various organisations. A reference copy of the file is also on hand in the ARICSA Office.
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acquisition tax, radio and TV licence, road tax, church contributions, dog licences and customs duties. It may well prove useful to consult a tax adviser or accountant on such matters.
Your pension The following notes concern only the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund (UNJSPF). As to your own particular entitlement, you will want to consult the relevant section in your own organisation: IAEA – Ms. R. Sabat (ext. 21571) [e-mail [email protected]] UNOV – Ms. M. Thorp (ext. 4213) UNIDO – Ms. S. Godwin-Toby (ext. 3475) They will be able to inform you about your options, the formalities and the amount you can expect to receive (both an eventual lump sum and the periodic benefit). You can of course also refer to the estimated benefits given in the annual statements issued by the UNJSPF to each staff member. You may also consult the UNJSPF Office in Geneva, room D-110 in the Palais des Nations, tel 917-32-33, fax 917-00-04. They can also be contacted on the internet: http://www.unjspf.org/ ARICSA is also ready to offer general advice. If you have reached the normal retirement age and contributed to the Fund for at least five years, you will receive your monthly pension benefit for the rest of your life. Otherwise: If you leave before having contributed for the minimum five-year period, you will receive a lump sum instead known as the withdrawal settlement. If you have contributed for five years or more but wish to leave before the normal retirement age, you could ask for a withdrawal settlement instead of a pension, but you can also ask for a deferred retirement benefit, which will be paid from the date you attain retirement age. Finally, if you are at least 55 years old and have contributed for five years or more, you can seek an early retirement benefit to be paid forthwith, albeit at a reduced rate. If you are entitled to a periodic benefit, you have the right to ask for up to one-third of the value of your pension in a lump-sum when your pension becomes payable. Your initial basic pension entitlement is calculated in US dollars even if your salary scale and contributions were in another currency, viz. Euro. By the same token your lump sum, if you ask for one, is in US dollars. Your bank will change it into local currency at the going rate. If you wish to retain it in dollars, you must be sure to open a US dollar account at your bank and quote that account number for payment of the lump sum. You are allowed to defer a decision on the nature of your pension for up to three years following separation. If you get married after retirement, it is possible to arrange with the Fund to buy, through a reduction in your own pension, the right to surviving spouse’s benefit if you die first. Be sure to apply within 180 days of marriage. If you were already married at the date of separation from
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duty, your surviving spouse will be entitled to a widow(er)’s pension of half the amount of your basic pension. Under certain conditions a former spouse may claim a divorced surviving spouse’s benefit. Details are available from the Fund Secretariat.
Pension adjustment Before the mid-seventies everyone’s pension was paid in US dollars which were converted into local currency by the bank. Currency parities were stable and there was one worldwide cost-of- living adjustment system. Then came the abandonment of the Bretton Woods monetary system, when it became necessary to devise a way of cushioning the effects of large fluctuations in the exchange rate of the US dollar with local currencies as well as of disparities in the rates of inflation in different countries. Thus the two-track pension adjustment pension system came into being. The US dollar track is fundamentally the original universal dollar pension, cost-of-living adjustments being made according to movements in the consumer price index in the United States; The local-currency track is keyed to the exchange rate with the US dollar and the consumer price index in your country of residence. It is called dual track because even if you opt for it, you will automatically receive a benefit in your local currency based on the higher of the two tracks, though with a limit on local currency equivalent of the dollar-track amount. The dollar track remains the basic pension, and unless and until you expressly request to be put on the dual track system, that is the way it shall be paid. To go on the dual-track system you need to provide acceptable proof that your main residence is actually in the country you name. You can ask to go on the dual track system at any time, but once on it you are not, in principle, allowed back on to the single track. You can request the UNJSPF to pay your pension in any currency and to any address you wish, notwithstanding your stated place of residence or the adjustment system chosen. Finally, it is a good idea to: Check the name of your survivor as registered with the UNJSPF; Make sure that your designated survivor knows the steps he or she must take in the event of your death; Remind yourself to inform the UNJSPF of any change of address or relevant bank account; and Keep in mind the importance of signing and returning the Certificate of Entitlement that you will receive from the UNJSPF from time to time.
Taxation As already indicated, taxation is a vexed and complicated business, the more so for international civil servants who enjoyed immunity while in service. Tax systems can vary greatly even within a single country. Many retirees decide they need the assistance of a tax consultant. At any rate you might well require help in filling in your income tax forms, at least the first time round.
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Tax exemption on UN pensions As far as is known to ARICSA, the present situation is that UN pensions are not subject to tax in Austria, Hungary, India, Paraguay, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Sweden (for contributions after 31.12.1968). The situation is not clearly defined in Italy, nor in certain Eastern European countries. Other income (such as proceeds from investments) would likely be subject to tax. A few oil-rich countries or certain tax havens in the Caribbean do not need to resort to any income tax. Certain countries tax only part of the pension (Germany, for instance, or Switzerland in respect of the direct federal tax and the cantonal tax which varies from canton to canton). Furthermore, some countries do not tax ‘foreign revenue’ (viz. Greece or Cyprus). Under these circumstances, the issue should be carefully explored before taking a final decision on your place of residence once retired. In other countries in Western Europe as well as Australia, Canada and New Zealand, UN pensions are taxed in full. In the USA they are taxed in full but you are credited with the total amount of your own contributions to the Fund. Reliable information is lacking on conditions elsewhere. Most countries do not impose tax on the lump sum from the UNJSPF per se, but thereafter any interest or dividend it yields would be subject to tax, e.g. KESt.
Health insurance Whereas there is a single pension fund for all officials of the UN family (with the recent exception of WTO), there are several different health insurance schemes depending on which organisation employed you. Provided the retiree has been covered by his or her organisation’s health insurance plan/scheme, usually for a minimum of ten years, it will normally be possible for a retiring staff member and his/her dependants to remain with it after separation. To do so is almost certainly advantageous if you continue to live in the vicinity of Vienna; premiums are subsidised.
Keep in good health Health problems tend to ramify with old age. However, if you take care and nurture your fitness, you can limit visits to the doctor to an annual check-up and eventual vaccination against influenza, making life more pleasant and cheaper. Because the therapy is so obvious and well- known – regular exercise, moderation in eating and drinking, intellectual stimulation – it often requires a conscious effort to follow. As in so many things in life, the decision (and responsibility) rests with you.
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Preparing for Retirement
Your Retirement Budget
Before filling in the column estimating your retirement budget, consider the following questions: 1. Which of these expenses will be reduced or eliminated when you stop working (for example, smaller living quarters, paid-up mortgage, insurance, transportation, domestic help)? 2. Which services for which you pay now will you be able to do yourself (for example, repairs, improvements, sewing)? 3. Which expenses could be reduced, if necessary (for example, contributions, vacations)? 4. Which expenses might increase (for example, medical services and medication, hobbies)?
YOUR PRESENT MONTHLY FAMILY INCOME
Revised Budget Present Budget for Retirement
Your monthly salary ______Spouse’s salary ______Interest on savings ______Dividends ______Other ______
ESTIMATED INCOME AFTER YOUR RETIREMENT
Revised Budget Present Budget for Retirement
U.N. Pension ______Your other pensions (for previous service in your country, Social Security, etc…) ______Spouse’s income or pension ______Interest on savings ______Dividends ______Other ______
Total Monthly Income ______
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YOUR MONTHLY EXPENDITURES
Revised Budget Present Budget for Retirement
Housing and household Rent or mortgage payments ______Real estate taxes ______Home insurance ______Repairs, house and grounds maintenance ______Utilities: water, gas and electricity, waste disposal, etc. ______Heating ______Telephone ______House cleaning, supplies, services ______Garden tools, plants, seeds, fertilisers ______Replacement of furnishings (linens, kitchen equipment, etc…) ______Sundries ______Children and relatives School or university fees ______Allowances to children ______Allowances to dependent parents or other relatives ______Transportation Bus, underground, railroad, taxi ______Instalments for car purchase ______Repairs, tires, garage ______Maintenance, petrol, oil ______Licences (registration, driver’s licence, inspection fees) ______Car insurance ______Tolls and parking fees ______Food Meals at home ______Meals away from home ______Tobacco, alcohol ______Entertaining ______Sundries, pet food, veterinary treatment ______Clothing and Cosmetics Clothes, shoes ______Dry cleaning, repairs ______Hairdresser ______Cosmetics, perfume, after shave etc. ______
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Revised Budget Present Budget for Retirement
Health Health insurance ______Doctor, dentist, etc… ______Medication, glasses, etc.. ______Leisure Books, newspapers, magazines, CD’s ______Theatre, concerts, cinema, fitness clubs ______Adult education, fees and text books ______Professional societies and club memberships ______Contributions to charity and church ______Taxes, insurance Income taxes ______Personal property tax ______Interest and amortisation on loans, charge accounts, credit cards ______Life insurance premiums ______Property insurance ______Legal fees, bank charges ______Sundries ______Savings, investments UN. Credit Union and other savings accounts ______Purchase of stocks, bonds, property, etc… ______Sundries ______
Total Family Expenditures ______
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Preparing for Retirement
SEPARATION FORMALITIES
Separation Formalities
For IAEA staff members, Article 4 of the IAEA’s Provisional Staff Regulations and Staff Rules, contained in the Administrative manual, covers separation of service. The Administrative manual is available on-line (from within the Agency only) through the Agency’s intranet at: http://adminonline.iaea.org/AdminManual/default.asp
Retirement: Definition and notification The staff rules of most of the organizations of the UN Common System indicate that staff shall not be retained in active service beyond the age of 60 or, if appointed on or after 1 January 1990, beyond the age of 62 years. The Regulations and Rules of the UNJSPF stipulate that ‘Normal Retirement Age’ shall mean 60, except that it shall mean 62 for participants whose participation commences on or after 1 January 1990. For the purpose of this folder the word ‘retirement’ is used for a separation from service taking place on or after age 55 with an entitlement to a retirement benefit from participation in the UNJSPF. The date of retirement is usually the last day of the month in which you reach 60 years of age or 62 years of age for those staff members appointed on or after I January 1990. It is therefore imperative that you start considering your future plans and to make contact with the relevant sections concerning your entitlements, pension, after service health/life insurance, visa etc. well in advance of your retirement date. You will receive a letter from the Personnel Service of your Organization confirming the official date of your separation and at the same time, you will be informed about your separation entitlements.
Travel and shipment entitlements Those staff members entitled to repatriation travel and removal of household goods at the expense of the Organization will be advised about the authorized route and mode of travel as well as the weight and volume authorized for their shipment. Please inform your Personnel Officer of your repatriation plans, to allow timely issuance of the necessary authorizations. The rules governing your travel and shipment entitlements stipulate that the entitlement shall cease if not exercised within certain periods after separation. These are six months for travel and shipment of personal effects and one year in case of household removal. For IAEA staff members, an information sheet outlining the relevant procedures is sent to separating staff members approximately one month before retirement, together with the travel and freight request form.
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Clearance form You will receive the Clearance Certificate approximately one month before separation. Please indicate in the part of the document, which is to be completed by the staff member, your future contact/mailing address and your banking instructions and obtain clearances from all offices listed in the document. For obtaining the clearance in your respective social security unit, you should allow approximately one hour, as this will involve completing forms and instructions in respect of pension and insurance. If the completed form is received five days prior to the last day in physical departure (in UNOV the Clearance Form should be returned fully completed eight days prior to the last day in service), your Final Payment can be processed in time for your last day in office as specified on the Clearance form. It will normally comprise salary, commutation of any unused annual leave, repatriation grant, if applicable, for service up to 30 June 1979 and end of service allowance, if applicable. If the Final Pay cannot be paid in full, an advance will be granted with the balance payable when all details are available.
Repatriation grant The grant is in principle payable to internationally recruited staff members whom the Organization is obligated to repatriate. The payment of the grant is subject to evidence of relocation away from the country of the last duty station, except for any entitlement to the grant that was accrued prior to 1 July 1979. Staff having accrued the maximum eligible service of 12 years prior to 1 July 1979 do not require evidence of relocation. Evidence of relocation is required in the form of a statement from a local authority of the new country of residence. If you do not settle down in the country of residence of your choice until some time after separation from service, please bear in mind that the entitlement to Repatriation Grant ceases if no claim is received within two years of separation.
End of service allowance Following ICSC recommendations after the 1987 survey of best prevailing conditions for staff in the General Service, an accrued end-of-service allowance was established for staff in these categories in analogy to Austrian Law, where an ‘Abfertigung’ is paid to employees if they separate from service and meet certain conditions. The administrative details are covered, for IAEA staff, in Staff Rule 4.06.7 (UNOV staff members may wish to refer to UN/INF.243 dated 6 March 1990; UNIDO staff members UNIDO/DA/PS/AC.58 dated 8 November 1989) and Amendment 1 (25 October 2001)
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Retiree pass In connection with obtaining the various clearances you should return your Grounds Pass to the Pass office. You will then receive a temporary Grounds Pass, which still allows you to shop at the Commissary and which is valid up to the separation date. If you are a recipient of a UN pension and continue to reside in Vienna, you may collect a retiree pass from the Pass Office on the last day of duty. This pass, which is also available for your spouse, will allow you to enter the VIC on working days and/or to participate in staff club activities outside normal working hours, but is no longer valid for the Commissary. Retirees are only allowed access to the VIC garages when they buy a daily parking sticker at the cost of €1.10.
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Preparing for Retirement
Time Schedule on Separation
You will receive a letter from the Personnel Service of your Organization confirming the official date of your separation and at the same time, you will be informed about your entitlements on separation. Please bear in mind to consider your options in good time and to start making the necessary arrangements well in advance of that date.
Approximately 2 – 5 months prior to separation: You will need to make your decision regarding your place of residence during retirement based on collected information on tax laws, currency and social security provisions in the future country of residence. Please consult your Personnel Service on your entitlements and obligations, or any outstanding claims, e.g. education grant, home leave, rental subsidy or possible claims for dependency benefits, as applicable; the staff of the Social Security office should be consulted on applications for After Service Health and Life Insurance coverage and pension matters; and the staff of the Travel and Transportation office for travel and shipment/removal arrangements, if applicable. Depending on the decision to leave or to stay in Austria, the following private arrangements will need attention:
STAYING IN AUSTRIA: Application for residence permit(s) for yourself and your family members (see How to obtain a residence permit in Austria on page 46)
LEAVING AUSTRIA: Planning relocation/repatriation; Notice on lease, utilities and insurance; Contracts, schools, etc.
One month prior to separation: You should prepare for hand-over of work and Final Report, if required. You will need to complete the form called Clearance Certificate, obtaining clearances from all services listed thereon, completing banking instructions and contacting address.
IAEA, 2 October, 2002 19 Separation Formalities
At the latest five (eight in UNOV) working days prior to separation: You should submit the completed Clearance Certificate form to MTPR (to the Administrative Assistant for staff in UNOV and UNIDO).
Last day of duty: Please collect your Retiree Pass.
For P and non-local GS staff only:
IMMEDIATELY AFTER ARRIVAL AT THE REPATRIATION DESTINATION: Please complete and send your travel claim, and claim for repatriation grant together with proof of relocation and payment instructions. Insurance claims are to be submitted as soon as possible to the Transportation Unit. If not already submitted prior to separation, non-local staff should also observe the following deadlines:
SIX MONTHS AFTER SEPARATION: Entitlement to travel and shipment of personal effects ceases if not exercised.
ONE YEAR AFTER SEPARATION: Entitlement to removal of household effects ceases if not yet exercised; There is a two-year (one year in UNOV and UNIDO) time limit on retroactivity of payments. A claim submitted at a later date cannot be accepted; be sure to seek clarification from your Personnel Service on this matter prior to your departure.
TWO YEARS AFTER SEPARATION: Entitlement to Repatriation Grant ceases.
20 IAEA, 2 October, 2002 Preparing for Retirement
Separation from Service — Sources of Information
For IAEA staff
Subject Information Person or office to contact Person or office to address in writing after separation
Clearance Form is sent to staff Personnel Entitlements Assistants DIR-MTPR Certificate member one month prior MTPR to separation Repatriation Staff Rule 6.01.1 Personnel Entitlements Assistants DIR-MTPR Grant MTPR AMII/1/Annex 5 Travel, Staff Rule 4.06.6 Personnel Entitlements Assistants DIR-MTPR shipment/removal MTPR AMII/9 entitlements Commutation of Staff Rule 4.06.2 Personnel Entitlements Assistants DIR-MTPR annual leave MTPR End-of-service Staff Rule 4.06.7 Personnel Entitlements Assistants DIR-MTPR allowance MTPR Pension Fund Regulation and Rules of Social Security Unit, A0550 UN Joint Staff Pension the UNJSPF, Art.28-33, MTPR Fund office in Geneva, JSPB/G4/Rev.15, January Palais des Nations, 1211 1998, UNJSPF Geneva 10, Switzerland After-Service AMII/7 Social Security Unit, A0550 Head, Social Security Health Insurance MTPR Unit, MTPR After-Service Life All Desks dated 1997-02- Social Security Unit, A0550 Head, Social Security Insurance 03 MTPR Unit, MTPR
IAEA, 2 October, 2002 21
Preparing for Retirement
Separation from Service — Sources of Information
For UNOV staff
Subject Information Person or office to Person or office to contact address in writing after separation
Travel Chapter 7 and 9 of Staff Rules Administrative Assistant/ Chief, Human Authorization; ST/AI/1999/13 Personnel Assistant Resources commutation of ST/AI/155/Rev.2 Management Section, annual leave; ST/AI/255/Rev.2/Amend.1 Division of Admin. Personnel Payroll and Common Services Clearance (P.35) (DACS) Repatriation Grant SR 109.5 and Annex IV - ‘ - - ‘ - ST/AI/2000/5 Travel, Chapter 7 of Staff Rules; Human Resources Management Chief, Human shipment/removal ST/AI/1999/10 Section DACS, E-1044 Resources entitlements ST/AI/1999/15 Staff of Travel and Management Section, Transportation Unit, DACS GSS/DACS, COE15 Shipment and Chapter 7 of Staff Rules; Staff of Travel and Chief, General Support Insurance matters ST/AI/1999/10 Transportation Unit, Services, DACS ST/AI/1999/15 GSS/DACS, C0E15 Pension Fund Regulation and Rules of the Social Security office, E1076 UNJSPF Office in UNJSPF, Art.28-33, Human Resources Management Geneva, Palais des JSPB/G4/Rev.15 January Section, DACS Nations, 1211 1998, UNJSPF CH-Geneva 10 After-service ST/AI/394 dated 19.05.1994 Social Security office, E1076 Social Security office Health Insurance UNOV/AI.1-ODCCP/AI.1 Human Resources Management Human Resources dated 23.06.1999 Section, DACS Management Section, UNOV/INF.81-ODCCP DACS /INF.82 UN/INF.347 dated 04.08.1992 After-service Life UNOV/INF.115- Social Security office, E1076 Social Security office Insurance ODCCP/INF.116 Human Resources Management Human Resources ST/IC/2000/96 dated Section, DACS Management Section, 21.12.2000 DACS ST/AI/2000/18 dated 21.12.2000 Retention in service ST/AI/1999/5 of 27.05.1999 Chief, Human Resources and employment Management Section, DACS beyond retirement
IAEA, 2 October, 2002 23
Preparing for Retirement
Separation from Service — Sources of Information
For UNIDO staff
Written Information Person or Office to Address:
Personnel Payroll Circular UNIDO/DA/PS/AC.71 Administrative Assistant Clearance Action (18 December 1990) Commutation of SR 110.08 Administrative Assistant, unused Annual Human Resource leave Specialist, ADM/HRM Repatriation Grant SR 110.11, Appendix I to SR; Staff Reg.10.8 and Schedule Human Resource V to Staff Reg. Circular UNIDO/ADM/PS/INF.858 (17 Specialist, ADM/HRM January 1983). End of Service Appendix B to SR, Human Resource Allowance Circ. UNIDO/DA/PS/AC.58 (8 November 1989), Specialist, ADM/HRM UNIDO/DA/PS/AC.58/Amend.1 (25 October 2001) Travel, shipment/ Chapter IX of SR and App. G and H; Supervisor; Travel, removal/insurance Circulars UNIDO/DA/73 (25 July 1990); Transportation and Entitlements UNIDO/DGB(M).12 (23 April 1996); Shipment, FOA/AI.10 (13 April 2000) ADM/GES Pension Fund Regulations, Rules and Pension Adjustment System of the Social Security Office, UNJSPF*, JSPB/G.4/Rev.16. (1 January 2002); ADM/HRM United Nations Pension System JSPB/G.14, (June 1989) After Service Circulars UNIDO/DA/PS/AC.64 (29 May 1990) and Social Security Office, Health Insurance Rev.1 (25 June 1999), Rev.2 (6 March 2000); ADM/HRM UNIDO/DA/PS/INF.1160 (9 July 1990); UNIDO/DA/PS/AC. 86 (15 January 1992) para. 19 (GKK) After-Service Life Circular UNIDO/FOA/SDM/INF.11 (23 January 2001) Social Security Office, Insurance ADM/HRM Relevant Internet UNJSPF Geneva: http://www.unog.ch/penfund/ Addresses UNJSPF New York: http://www.un.org/unjspf/
Documents and http://www.un.org/unjspf/html/documents.html Publications http://www.un.org/unjspf/html/annlettr.html http://www.un.org/unjspf/html/expbooklet.html http://www.un.org/unjspf/html/pas.html http://www.un.org/unjspf/html/cor.html http://www.un.org/unjspf/html/transfer/index.html http://www.un.org/unjspf/html/taxguide.html http://www.un.org/unjspf/slideshow/index.html
IAEA, 2 October, 2002 25
Preparing for Retirement
PENSION
The United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund (UNJSPF)
Information for staff members approaching retirement
Request a pension estimate 1. It is recommended that you request an estimate from your local Pension Fund Secretariat: — IAEA, Room A0550, ext. 21045, [e-mail: [email protected]] — UNIDO, Room D1676, ext. 3475 [e-mail [email protected]] It should, however, be borne in mind that only a short-term projection (one year or less before retirement) can produce accurate data. Any longer projection into the future has too many elements of uncertainty. Estimates, even if calculated only in US dollars, are bound to be approximations due to the many variables involved in each individual case. The pension estimate contains all the information you need to make a decision on the types of benefits you are entitled to, i.e. it tells you what options you have and approximately how much you would get in US dollars for your given date of retirement.
Consult with your local Pension Fund Secretariat 2. Once you have an idea of the type of benefit you want and whether or not you plan to take a Lump Sum (in US dollars or another currency converted by the Fund at the bank rate on the date of payment), you should talk to the Secretary of your Staff Pension Committee to obtain additional information relevant to your specific personal circumstances after separation. If you intend to retire to a high cost country you will be briefed on the operation of the two-track system and find out whether your dollar base pension may be adjusted to compensate for a higher cost of living than at the base, i.e. New York. Your Pension Fund office will be in a position to provide you with the adjusted amount of your pension in US dollars and in local currency calculated at the average rate for the 36 months preceding retirement.
IAEA, 2 October, 2002 27 Pension
Submission of proof of residence (the two-track system) 3. Your monthly base benefit calculated in US dollars at the time of retirement (‘US dollar track’) is adjusted for cost of living in accordance with the movement of the US consumer price index (CPI), on an annual basis. Adjustments are generally applied on 1 April provided this index has risen by at least 2 percentage points2 the previous year. As long as you do not submit proof of residence your pension will be paid from the US dollar track. Should you wish to receive payments in another currency than US dollars the amount payable will be arrived at by using the latest quarterly UN operational exchange rate. 4. If you are submitting proof of residence for a country other than the United States (Austria, for instance), a second base benefit in local currency, a so called ‘local currency track’ will be established. Its purchasing power will also be preserved by adjusting it annually by the movement of the CPI of your country of residence (Austria, for instance). The declaration of your country of residence is effected by completing form PENS. E/10 (see page 81) and by submitting the supporting documentation to the Secretary of the Staff Pension Committee of the organization to which you belong. 5. For staff members of Austrian nationality a copy of the Meldezettel and in addition for citizens of a European Union country retiring to Austria a copy of the ‘Lichtbildausweis für Fremde (EWR)’ is considered sufficient proof of residence. Nationals of other countries require, in addition, an Austrian visa and whatever documentation is on hand to support the staff member's statement that Austria is his/her country of residence (e.g. electricity bills, lease contracts, rental bills, telephone bills etc.). Staff members who have never registered with the police and/or who require an Austrian visa should apply for the visa with effect from the date following their separation from service. Similarly form PENS. E/10 (see page 81) should not be dated or submitted earlier than two weeks before separation in order to be recognized by the Fund. (The logic behind this requirement is that this documentation should be based on the person's status as a retiree). 6. Under the ‘two track system’ the local currency track and the dollar track are compared in quarterly intervals and you are automatically paid from that track which yields the higher amount of local currency units in the currency selected by you, subject to a maximum of the local currency track amount plus 10 %. The local currency track adjusted for cost of living constitutes a floor amount below which your pension cannot fall. This system protects you against a decline in the purchasing power of your benefit resulting from a weakening of the US dollar, but also allows you to benefit to a limited extent from an eventual strengthening of the US dollar vis-à-vis the local currency. 7. The two-track system is optional and cannot be relinquished once in operation3. This restriction can lead to unexpected long term implications in case of future relocation to a 'soft currency' country unless this country is your home country. It is therefore strongly recommended that you discuss this matter with the Secretary of your Staff Pension Committee before checking out. In this case the amount of your pension will be recalculated assuming that you had resided in the new country from the date you had retired and you will again be required to submit proof of residence for the new country. On the other hand - even though that is preferable - there is no real need for you to exercise
2 As of 1 April 2001 3 With two exceptions: You will relocate to the United States, or you move for compelling reasons from a high-cost to a low-cost country and this country is your or your spouse’s home country or your last duty station and you had been on the two-track system for at least one year
28 IAEA, 2 October, 2002 Preparing for Retirement
this option on separation. If you do so within six months from separation the Pension Fund will still establish the two-track system from the date of separation. Once six months have elapsed it will, however, be established only prospectively.
Separation formalities 8. Based on your written payment instructions (form PENS. E/7) your Pension Fund office will prepare the calculation of your entitlements towards the end of the month of your separation from service. Please bear in mind that payments can only be made to you and not to a third party nor into a ‘no-name’ savings account. The bank account indicated to the Pension Fund for the payment of benefits must, therefore, be in your name, but you are, of course, free to give procuration to whomever you wish. Please note that benefits can be paid in any currency selected by you, irrespective of whether you have opted for the ‘two track system’ or not, but make sure that your account is also valid to be credited with the type of currency you have elected to receive (i.e. if you wish to receive US dollars it should be a US dollar account). 9. If your pension benefit is to be remitted into an Austrian bank account it is of particular importance that the account number you indicate on form PENS. E/7 is typed or written in the same format as it appears on your cheque card (i.e. eleven digits with all leading zeros and zeros at the end and without dashes, slashes, dots, etc.) and that you put down the bank Swift Code and your International Bank Account Number (IBAN) in order to enable computerized processing of your monthly pension benefit to the banks. It is possible later to change the currency of payments, the bank account and also the bank - but only once a year. This can be done by sending the appropriate form duly completed to the Fund's Secretariat [Form PF.23]. 10. Finally, if you do not opt to take the full lump sum, you are required to designate someone, normally a person other than your spouse or unmarried children under the age of 21, to receive any amount of your contributions plus interest that remains after deduction of all benefits due to you or your survivors (residual settlement) [Form PENS. A/2-Rev.4]. 11. Your separation papers and the final pension computation] are forwarded to the Central Secretariat of the UNJSPF in Geneva, usually within one week from separation from service, where the calculations are audited and payments effected. Normally you can expect your lump sum and first pension payment to arrive within two months from separation. A letter from the Fund informing you of the amounts payable will be sent to you some time after you have received the first payment. It is therefore advisable that you make financial provisions in due time, in order to bridge this gap. Your pension once in payment will be paid monthly in arrears.
P.Uhl/R.Sabat February 2002
IAEA, 2 October, 2002 29
Preparing for Retirement
Pension Forms The latest version of the pension forms can be obtained from the UNJSPF web site. http://www.unjspf.org/ The forms are in PDF format. In order to view or print them, you will need Adobe's Acrobat Reader, which is available from Adobe Systems for free download through a link on the UNJSPF forms page.
LIST OF FORMS AVAILABLE PF23 Change of Payment Instructions
PF23A Payment Instructions (Deferred benefit)
PF23B Payment Instructions under Article 36 (Child's benefit)
PF23M Change of Mailing Address Only
PENS-E/2 Instructions for Payment of Benefits (Disability and Death Benefits)
PENS-E6 Instructions for Payment of Benefits (less than 5 years of service)
PENS-E7 Instructions for Payment of Benefits (5 or more years of service)
PENS-E/8 Instructions for Payment of Benefits Under Article 40(c) (For participants with less than 5 years of additional contributory service)
PENS-E/10 Declaration of Country of Residence
B/1 Election to Validate
C/1 Election to Restore
A/2 Designation of Beneficiary (for a residual settlement)
L Request for Estimate
L-1 Request for Estimate under Two-Track Pension Adjustment System
L-4 Request for Estimate of Disability Benefit
EXAMPLES OF THE MOST COMMONLY REQUIRED FORMS Examples of a number of these forms are reproduced in Example UNJSPF Forms at the end of this manual.
IAEA, 2 October, 2002 31
Preparing for Retirement
Austrian Pension Insurance
The Headquarters Agreement of the Vienna based Organizations with the Republic of Austria make provisions according to which an Official, who does not receive benefits from the UNJSPF, can make a payment to the Austrian Pension Insurance to acquire the period of participation in the UNJSPF as contributory service in the Austrian Pension Insurance. Staff members or former officials who are interested in obtaining more details about these provisions should contact Mr. Alfred Poelzer, the representative of the Austrian Pension Insurance. Mr. Poelzer is available every first Wednesday of the month from 08:00 - 12:00, in room F 1014, for consultations (‘Pensionsversicherungsanstalt der Angestellten’-Austrian Pension Insurance - PVA: Tel. 21135 ext. 27203.
IAEA, 2 October, 2002 33
Preparing for Retirement
HEALTH AND LIFE INSURANCE
Coverage for IAEA staff
After-service Medical Insurance Plan (AMIP)4 If you have participated in one of the Agency's medical plan(s) for at least five years prior to separation you may retain your medical insurance coverage after retirement at your own cost. In this case you may also retain medical insurance for your dependents at your own cost, provided they were co-insured for at least two years prior to separation. Non-dependent persons co-insured with you for a minimum of ten consecutive years may also be authorized to participate in AMIP. A non-dependent child, however, may remain covered only until age 25 and as long as he/she is not gainfully employed. If you have participated in one of the Agency's medical plan(s) for at least ten consecutive years prior to separation, the Agency will continue to share the premium costs. The Agency will also share premiums in respect of your dependants provided they were co-insured with you for a minimum of two years prior to your separation. The above arrangement applies to continued participation in the Full Medical Insurance Plan (FMIP) Supplementary Medical Insurance Plan (SMIP) Voluntary health plan of the Wiener Gebietskrankenkasse If you wish to keep your Gebietskrankenkasse coverage and you are not eligible for an Austrian pension at the date of retirement but will be living solely on your pension payments from the UNJSPF, you should apply for continued participation in the Gebietskrankenkasse plan to one of their offices (Bezirksgruppenstelle) within six weeks from separation in which case no waiting period will be applied. The relevant form is available from Mr. Robert Umlauf, A0549, ext. 21032 [e-mail: [email protected]]. As regards the payment of premiums in respect of your continued participation in the FMIP or SMIP, you should contact: Mr. W. Rackovsky, A 0625, ext. 21120 [e-mail: [email protected] or Ms. K. Gebauer-Fath, A0623, ext. 21061 [e-mail: [email protected]) in the course of checking out, who will advise you on the amounts due and the mode of payment. If you retain your Gebietskrankenkasse coverage, Gebietskrankenkasse will notify you of the monthly premium payable. You will be required to pre-pay the full premium, part of which may
4 Coverage under AMIP is only available as a continuation of the same medical insurance plan in which the eligible persons were insured during the staff member’s active service with the Agency, i.e. FMIP, AHIS or SMIP. However, persons eligible for participation in AMIP are exceptionally allowed, as a one-time option, to switch from AHIS + SMIP to FMIP if they relocate outside Austria, on condition that they provide proof of such relocation.
IAEA, 2 October, 2002 35 Health and life insurance be recovered from the Agency if you qualify for an Agency subsidy. Please direct claims for the reimbursement of the Agency's share accompanied by proof of payment of Gebietskrankenkasse premiums to the Payroll Unit in MTBF. Medical claims for pensioners participating in IAEA's FMIP or SMIP should not be sent through the Agency, but be submitted in a neutral envelope directly to the insurers at the following address: J. Van Breda & Co. Int'l Plantin en Moretuslei 295 B-2140 Antwerpen Belgium
A short description of how to complete the claim form can be found on the reverse side of each form. Claimants are also reminded that Van Breda cannot reimburse without proof of payment. Once settled, Van Breda will reply to your claim directly to your home address. Claim forms for FMIP and SMIP can be obtained from the supply and stationary office at the VIC (Mr. F. Chaudary, FM184, ext. 21184, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.). They are also available electronically on the Van Breda website under the ‘Personal access’ section. A detailed description of the benefits available under FMIP and SMIP and the current premium rates and maximum amounts of reimbursement for ceiling items are contained in Section 7 of Part II of the Administrative Manual. Future changes will be communicated to pensioners. If additional information or clarification is required, or if you have specific questions regarding the scope of the insurance, it is suggested you contact Van Breda directly under the following toll free number: 0800 20 8596 (within Austria) This service is available Monday through Friday from 9:00 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 16:30. Van Breda can also be contacted by e-mail at the following address: [email protected] The address of Van Breda’s website is as follows: http://www.int.vanbreda.com/ The website contains a general section about Van Breda and a personalized section under the menu option ‘Personal access’ which is limited to participants in the IAEA Group Medical Insurance Plan. Detailed information about the plan can be obtained as follows: Under ‘Index number’ please enter the PREFIX 005 immediately followed by your 6-digit Personnel number. Under ‘Date of birth’ please enter your birth date in the dd/mm/yyyy format with slashes - for example 10/09/1940. Information is provided under the headings Coverage, Direct Billing, Claims, Forms, Contacts and Provider List. Under Forms you will find the claim for reimbursement forms and estimate forms. The Adobe ‘Acrobat Reader’ software is required to read and print these files. Please note that the Provider List is a preliminary list and will be supplemented in due course. At the moment you will find information and addresses of Viennese hospitals as well as of laboratories and dentists giving discounts to Van Breda participants. These are also listed under Coverage - Cost containment.
36 IAEA, 2 October, 2002 Preparing for Retirement
Life Insurance Upon separation from the Agency at age 55 or above, you will be required to take a decision to either continue or terminate your life insurance coverage. If you wish to continue your coverage, you may opt for either: ‘paid’ insurance coverage until age 65 ‘free’ insurance coverage until age 74 A combination of both is not possible.
‘PAID’ INSURANCE COVERAGE You and your spouse (if applicable) may keep life insurance coverage on an individual basis under the same conditions until age 65, with the exception that no disability benefit is payable. The premiums payable would be the same as the ones applicable for active staff members.
‘FREE’ INSURANCE COVERAGE This option is only open to staff members (not to spouses) who have been participants in the Agency's Group Life Insurance Plan for at least ten years prior to separation. Under this feature, coverage continues, without further payment of premiums, for death occurring until age 74. However, the sum payable would be reduced to the following percentages of the average sum insured during the 10 years prior to separation: 45.0% if death occurs between age 55 and 64 22.5% if death occurs between age 65 and 69 7.5% if death occurs between age 70 and 74 with a minimum of $500 and a maximum of $3,750
R.Sabat February 2002
IAEA, 2 October, 2002 37
Preparing for Retirement
Coverage for UNIDO & UNOV5 Staff
After Service Health Insurance (ASHI)
ELIGIBILITY FOR CONTINUED COVERAGE. i) If, on separation, you are 55 years of age or older, eligible to receive a retirement, early retirement or deferred retirement benefit under the UNJSPF and/or a periodic benefit under Appendix D to the Staff Rules, and participated in a UN or specialized agency’s contributory health insurance scheme for a minimum of 5 years you are eligible to continue the health insurance coverage you had during your service as after- service health insurance (ASHI) coverage. Co-insured dependants (i.e. the spouse and all unmarried and financially dependent children up to the end of the calendar year in which they reach the age of 25), who are insured with the staff member at the time of separation, are also eligible for continued coverage in ASHI. New enrolment of dependents for ASHI coverage who were not covered at the time of the staff member’s separation is not possible. ii) For staff members who commenced or recommenced participation on or after 1 February 2000, the minimum participation in a contributory health insurance scheme is 10 years. iii) As of 1 April 2002, dependants are eligible for ASHI coverage only if they had been co- insured with the staff member for at least 2 years prior to separation from service. The two-year limit shall not apply for dependants acquired within this period who were enrolled within 30 days of marriage, birth or adoption. iv) Effective 1 February 2000, staff members separating between 50 and 55 years of age shall also be eligible for ASHI as a continuation of their in-service participation in the Austrian Sickness Insurance Scheme and/or the UNOV/UNIDO Group Medical Insurance Plan (FMIP and SMIP) after having been a participant for a minimum of 20 years in a contributory health insurance scheme and having chosen a deferred pension under the Regulations of the UN Joint Staff Pension Fund. This provision does not apply to participants in the Group Medical, Hospital and Dental Insurance for project personnel.
5 Except for paras (ii) through (iv) of this chapter, ASHI and ASLI is also applicable to UNOV participants in these schemes. UNOV participants should contact the UNOV Social Security Office, E1076, ext. 5747.
IAEA, 2 October, 2002 39 Health and life insurance
HOW TO OBTAIN CONTINUED COVERAGE. When the above criteria are met, an application is required for the continued coverage under after-service conditions in the UNOV/UNIDO Group Medical Insurance Plan and/or the Austrian Sickness Insurance. A discussion on ASHI is normally part of the separation procedure and the entitlement to ASHI is reflected on the Final Payroll Clearance Certificate. However, you should arrange an individual meeting with your Social Security Office (UNIDO: room D1676, ext. 3475; UNOV: E1076, ext. 5747), well in time prior to separation if: you plan to retire outside Austria; you participated in recognized UN or specialized agency’s contributory health insurance schemes other than the UNOV/UNIDO Group Medical Insurance plan; you have more than 5 but less than 10 years of participation; you are between 50 and 55 years of age and have a minimum of 20 years of participation; you wish coverage under a UN medical insurance plan other than the UNIDO Group Medical Insurance plan (Van Breda).
ASHI in the UNOV/UNIDO Group Medical Insurance Plan a) Coverage and benefits. With the completion of the enrolment form reflecting ASHI coverage with the date following separation, the coverage continues with the same benefits as applicable for serving participants. Changes in the scheme and/or premium will be communicated to ASHI participants through administrative circulars. It is therefore important that participants keep the Social Security Office advised of any change in mailing address and telephone numbers. b) Claims. The claim procedure is the same as for serving participants. Claim forms can be obtained from your Social Security Office. Medical claims may be mailed directly to Van Breda at the address printed on the available envelopes or deposited in the VIC Mail Operation F- 162. If not available, please address neutral envelopes to: J. Van Breda and Co. Int. Plantin en Moretuslei 295 B-2140 Antwerpen, Belgium.
For communication concerning the scope of coverage and/or your claims you may wish to contact Van Breda directly under the following toll free number from within Austria: 0800 20 85 96
The hotline is available on weekdays (except on Belgian holidays) from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and, for limited service (confirmation of coverage and issuance of cost guarantees to hospitals), outside regular office hours and on weekends (24 hours a day). Van Breda can also be contacted by e- mail at the following address: [email protected]
40 IAEA, 2 October, 2002 Preparing for Retirement
Reimbursements of medical claims are made in Euros € without any bank charge to accounts at either the Creditanstalt-AG or the Bank Austria. Payments to other banks may involve bank charges. As the insurance policy is in €, reimbursements cannot be made in other currencies. Please note that your Personnel Number remains the reference number for Van Breda. The address of Van Breda’s website is as follows: http://www.int.vanbreda.com/
The website contains a general section about Van Breda and a personalized section under the menu option ‘Personal access’ which is limited to participants in the UNOV/UNIDO Group Medical Insurance Plan. In order to access the detailed information about the plan, please proceed as follows: Under ‘Index number’ please enter the PREFIX 013 immediately followed by your 6-digit PERSONNEL NUMBER (printed on the insurance card, settlement notes, correspondence on claims etc.) - for example: 013512345. Under ‘Date of birth’ please enter your birth date in the dd/mm/yyyy format with slashes - for example: 01/01/1940. Information is provided under the headings Coverage, Direct Billing, Claims, Forms, Contacts and Provider List. Under Forms you will find the claim for reimbursement forms and estimate forms. The Adobe ‘Acrobat Reader’ software is required to read and print these files. Please note that the Provider List is yet a preliminary list and will be supplemented in due course. At the moment you will find information and addresses of Viennese hospitals as well as of laboratories giving discounts to Van Breda participants. The laboratories are also listed under Coverage - Cost containment. c) Cost of subsidized ASHI coverage. (i) If you have participated for at least 10 years in a recognized contributory UN health insurance scheme; or (ii) if you separated between 50 and 55 years of age with a minimum of 20 years participation and as of the commencement of the deferred retirement benefit, the Organization will pay a share of the ASHI premium. In analogy to calculating the health insurance premiums for serving participants on their annual emoluments in service, the annual emoluments after service for the purpose of calculating your ASHI premiums are based on the higher of the following two amounts: The notional pension benefit assuming 25 years of contributory in the UN Joint Staff Pension Fund; OR the total of the full periodic retirement benefit(s), regardless whether a part of such benefit has been commuted into a lump sum or not, including the child’s benefit where applicable. In case of compensation payments under Appendix D to the Staff Rules or survivor’s and disability benefits, or flat rates such as the child’s benefit, the premium calculation is based on the actual benefits in payment. Premiums are calculated on the above amount(s) as in payment in April of a given year. They are payable in Euros € and the UN exchange rate of March will be used for any conversion. Your contribution will be a percentage of the above amount(s).
IAEA, 2 October, 2002 41 Health and life insurance
The percentages change from time-to-time as they do for serving staff. In 2002 they are: For coverage in: FMlP6 SMIP7 Category I - retired person only 1.412% 1.081% Category II - retired person plus one dependant 2.118% 1.622% Category III - retired person plus two or more dependants 2.824% 2.163%
Example: Assuming you are in Category II of the premium structure (staff member with one dependent) of the Full Medical Insurance plan (FMIP), your contributory service in the UNJSPF was 20 years and your annual pension will be US$ 30,000. — your annual ASHI contribution is calculated as follows: Actual annual pension for 20 years in the UNJSPF as at 1 $ 30,000.- April of a year: Notional annual pension for 25 years in the UNJSPF: $ (30,000:20) × 25 = $ 37.500.- As the notional pension is higher, it is the basis for applying $ 37,500.- × 2.118 % = $794.- the percentage for Category II to determine your share of the per annum converted to Euro € annual premium, namely: at the March UN exchange rate. d) Cost of unsubsidized ASHI coverage. If you have participated for at least 5 years but less than 10 years in a recognized health insurance scheme, the premium is payable in full by yourself for the balance period. The premium is calculated on the remuneration8 of the last month of service and amounts approximately to double the in-service contribution. Upon completing 10 years of combined participation as staff member and as ASHI participant, a subsidy becomes payable by the Organization and your share is calculated as shown in para, c) above. The same calculation applies to those participants who separate between 50 and 55 years of age with at least 20 years of participation as of the date of separation until commencement of the deferred pension. e) Mode of payment. As of 2002 the premiums will be deducted from the pension benefit. The first deduction will be made upon receipt of the participant’s retirement number. This could mean that the first deduction might not start until a few months after receipt of the first pension benefit and would then be equal to the sum of all monthly payments up to and including the month when the first deduction will take place. You will receive a letter by mid year of every calendar year indicating the amount of the annual contribution payable and your threshold for catastrophic expenses.
6 Full medical insurance Plan ( FMIP ) 7 Supplementary medical insurance Plan (SMIP) 8 Includes net base salary plus post adjustment, language allowance, and dependency allowance.
42 IAEA, 2 October, 2002 Preparing for Retirement
f) Change in insurance coverage. You are required to advise your Social Security Office of any change in the status of persons covered by your ASHI, e.g. the marriage of a child or when a child is no longer financially dependent. Premiums will continue to be charged for the category selected on separation until a change in status is reported and it is not possible to refund contributions for persons no longer eligible for coverage.
ASHI Coverage in the Austrian Sickness Insurance (GKK) a) Continued coverage with subsidy. (i) If you meet the ASHI conditions outlined above and you participated for 10 years in the GKK immediately prior to separation; or (ii) if you separated between 50 and 55 years of age with a minimum of 20 years participation and as of the commencement of the deferred retirement benefit, you are eligible for a subsidy from UNIDO for the premium payment in respect of your continued coverage in the GKK. A dependent spouse and unmarried dependent children up to age 27, upon evidence of enrolment and successful attendance in a university, qualify for coverage as co-insured dependants. If you were also covered in the UNOV/UNIDO Group Medical Insurance plan (SMIP) in addition to GKK and meet the criteria stipulated in paragraph A.a)i) or iv) above, you may continue after-service coverage in SMIP. The contributions are calculated as shown in paragraph A.1.c) and d) and the percentages under SMIP apply. b) Coverage. Medical coverage remains the same. c) How to apply for continued GKK coverage. To ensure continued coverage in the GKK, you must personally apply, within six weeks from the date of separation, for voluntary coverage (‘Selbstversicherung’) at the: Wiener Gebietskrankenkasse 1103 Wien, Wienerbergstrasse 15-19 Room 116, first floor Tel: 60122/2700
The necessary application form is available at your Social Security Office. For processing the application, the GKK requires the ‘Meldezettel’ as evidence of your residence in Austria. Failure to apply within six weeks results automatically in the loss of continued coverage. Application at a later date will be accepted by the GKK but entails a six months waiting period during which premiums are payable, but no benefits. If you will reside in Austria but outside Vienna, please arrange the application formalities with the competent office of the GKK of your municipality. d) Mode of payment. Upon submission of the completed application for ‘Selbst- versicherung’ at the GKK district office, you will be given a form for direct debiting service (‘Abbuchungsauftrag fuer Lastschriften’) which you should complete and submit to your bank. Your bank will then make the necessary arrangements so that the GKK can draw the premium automatically each month. Failure to pay the premium for two consecutive months will automatically result in loss of insurance coverage. The monthly premium in force for the current year is €259.59. A reduction in premium can be requested on basis of evidence of income. e) Subsidy. If you are eligible for a subsidy from the Organization you may claim it semi- annually by presenting evidence of payment to the UNIDO Financial Service Branch, Ms B. Wazidrag, room D1844, ext. 3553 (UNOV: E1085, ext. 5643).
IAEA, 2 October, 2002 43 Health and life insurance
f) Medical and dental certificates (Krankenscheine). Quarterly medical vouchers have to be obtained from the nearest GKK district office upon presentation of the ‘Versicherungskarte’. The amount of € 3.63 per ‘Krankenschein’ will be added to the next ‘Beitragsvorschreibung’.
After-Service Life Insurance (ASLI) a) Free after-service life insurance. If you are 55 years of age or older at the time of separation and you have ten or more years participation in the AETNA group life insurance plan, a free but reduced life insurance is provided. The additional coverage for accidental death or dismemberment, however, ceases. The after-service benefits payable on the death of such former staff members are as follows: from age 55 to 64: — 50 % of the face value; from age 65 to 69:— 25 % of the face value-, and, at age 70: — 10 % of the face value, subject to a maximum of $ 10,000 and a minimum of U$ 5,000, or the amount to which the former staff member had been entitled before age 70, whichever is less. Face Value: The face value is the value of coverage applicable on the date of separation. Former staff members eligible to after-service group life insurance should take care that Social Security has a valid list of designated beneficiaries with up-dated addresses. b) Claims. In case of death, the surviving beneficiary(ies) have to provide an original death certificate and an official document stating the cause of death. If the documentation is in a language other than English, a certified original English translation must be attached. Upon receipt, your Social Security Office (UNIDO D1676, UNOV E1076) will submit the documentation to the UN Insurance Section at UN Headquarters, New York, for transmission to AETNA. The benefit will be mailed by cheque to the mailing address(es) of the beneficiary(ies). IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are not eligible for free ASLI as outlined above, or if you wish to maintain the value of life insurance coverage after separation, you may wish to contact your Social Security Office prior to separation to obtain information on the available options. UNIDO/Social Security Office/2002
44 IAEA, 2 October, 2002 Preparing for Retirement
GENERAL INFORMATION
Information for those who stay in Austria after retirement
Introduction This information has been collected from various sources (the Visa Offices, the banks represented at the VIC, ‘Rathaus Information’, magazines of the pensioner’s clubs, the Austrian Federal Railways, the Tourist Board, etc.) and with the kind help of the ‘Vienna Service Office’. Please remember that the information was compiled in the current year with the intention to provide general guidance. The organizers of the VIC Pre-Retirement Seminar cannot assume responsibility for errors or omissions. Matters relating to taxes should be dealt with individually in consultation with a lawyer, tax expert or a bank who can give the professional advice best suited to the personal circumstance.
Your status vis-à-vis the Austrian law when you cease to be an official After retirement, you are no longer an ‘official’ as defined in the Headquarters Agreements with the Republic of Austria; therefore, if you remain in Austria as holder of a residence permit, you become a resident of Austria and thus subject to Austrian law. The privileges and immunities applicable during service with one of the Vienna-based-Organizations do not apply beyond the separation date.
Identity Card (‘Legitimationskarte’) The Government furnishes each official and his/her eligible family members with an identity card (‘Legitimationskarte’) for the period of service to identify the holder in relation to all Austrian authorities. The ‘Legitimationskarte’ must be returned to the Pass Office COE 13 (IAEA: Visa Unit A 0777) as part of the clearance process on separation from service. However, those who have applied for a residence permit in Austria, will need to ask the Pass Office-COE13 (IAEA: Visa Unit A 0777) to obtain from the Federal Ministry for Foreign Affairs a certificate confirming the return of this card (‘Bestaetigung der Rueckgabe der Legitimationskarte’). This certificate is one of the required documents for the issuance of the residence permit and is required at the time when the applicant is invited to collect the permit (‘Ladung’). Normally it takes approximately one week for the Pass Office to obtain this certificate from the Ministry. It is advisable to keep photocopies of the ‘Legitimationskarte(n)’ for your records.
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Residence registration (Meldezettel) While you are the holder of an identity card, (‘Legitimationskarte’), as evidence of the official nature of your stay in Austria, you are not required to register. On separation, unless you leave Austria immediately thereafter, you are required to register within 3 days after separation. Evidence of registration is one of the required documents for obtaining a residence permit. As of 1 March 2002, the Vienna City Administration and no longer the police is responsible for residence registrations. If you apply for, change or cancel your residence registration, contact one of the 19 Municipal District Offices. You can apply for, change, and cancel your residence registration at any of the 19 Municipal District Offices (Magistratische Bezirksämter), no matter which district you live in. The form is available, free, at any of the District Offices, but can also be downloaded from the Internet. More details from http://zmr.bmi.gv.at/index.htm (the site includes an English summary) When registering, you will have to identify yourself with an official document such as a passport. You will find that the ‘Meldezettel’ is a document that you may require quite often. For example, when you change address, when buying a flat or a house, when changing the license plates of your car, in case of marriage or death, etc. For the purpose of applying for a residence permit, the ‘Meldezettel’ must show that the residence is your main and regular residence (‘Hauptwohnsitz’).
How to obtain a residence permit in Austria If you want to remain in Austria as a non-Austrian national, you become subject to Austrian immigration regulations after your status as ‘official’ ends. You will require a document for yourself and the member(s) of your family including Austrian-born children, to replace the permit afforded through your ‘Legitimationskarte’, unless you leave Austria practically immediately after separation. The new UNIDO and UNOV Headquarters Agreements provide that the same exemption from immigration restrictions, which applies to officials of the Organization, shall also apply to retired staff under modalities established by the Government. Retiring staff members who wish to apply for an Austrian residence permit should submit their applications at least 6 to 8 weeks before retirement to the Federal Ministry for Foreign Affairs through their employing Organization for consideration. The Federal Ministry for Foreign Affairs will forward the application to the competent department of the Municipality (Magistratsabteilung 20) for processing. The Organizations cannot assume any liability regarding information, processing and final decision on the application nor on the relevant Austrian legislation on residence and work permits, deadlines, recourse procedures in case of denial, etc. The focal points in the Vienna based Organizations for handling applications for the first residence permit after separation (but not subsequent extensions or transfers) are: IAEA: Visa Unit, attention Ms. Sibylle Wilhelm, A0778, ext. 21255 [e-mail: [email protected]] UNOV: Visa Section, attention Ms. Gerda Veitschegger, DACS/GS/CO, El1 74, ext. 5696 UNIDO: Travel, Transportation and Shipment, attention Ms. Christine Kribitz, Supervisor, FOA/FPC/GES, D2032, ext. 3072
46 IAEA, 2 October, 2002 Preparing for Retirement
PROCEDURES FOR APPLICATION OF AUSTRIAN RESIDENCE PERMIT A. Residence permit (Niederlassungsbewilligung) in Austria for EU/EWR9 nationals: As a general rule, EU and EWR nationals are allowed to stay in Austria 3 months after their entry into Austria without any permission. Please observe the Austrian registration law as below: 1) Register at the Polizeikommissariat of the district office of the residence within 3 days after their arrival in Austria in compliance with the Austrian registration law (Meldegesetz) or after the expiration of the Legitimation card. 2) Should the expected stay be longer than 3 months, if requested, EU nationals may apply for an EU/EWR Lichtbildausweis by providing the following:
1. Completed application form (KFL-Lager Nr. 01. -0eSD 735138dfp/r (Antrag auf Erteilung eines Aufenthaltstitels) 2. 2 photos 3. Certificate of service 4. Certificate issued by the Social Security Office confirming the amount of pension or other evidence of regular income 5. Evidence of sickness insurance coverage 6. National passport 7. Meldezettel 8. Meldebestaetigung issued by the Foreign Ministry An EWR Lichtbildausweis will be issued. 3) For extension: same as above Direct application to: Polizeikommissariat of the District Office or Fremdenpolizei, Wasagasse 20, 1090 Vienna Tel. 3 1344-0 Bezirkshauptmannschaft for those living outside of Vienna
4) For EU/EWR nationals requesting a transfer of a permanent visa: a. Completed application form, KFL-Lager Nr.01.-OeSD 735138 dfp/r (Antrag auf Erteilung eines Aufenthaltstitels) b. 2 photos c. National passport d. Meldezettel A Niederlassungsbewilligung (permanent permit) will be issued. Duration: approx. one week
9 EU (European Union): (Austria), Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and UK EWR(Europaeischer Wirtschaftsraum): Combination of EU and EFTA: EFTA (European Free Trade Association): Iceland, Norway and Switzerland
IAEA, 2 October, 2002 47 General Information
5) Application of a residence permit (Niederlassungsbewilligung) for dependants* of EU/EWR nationals: e. Completed application form, KFL-Lager Nr.0 1. -0eSD 73 5 13 8 df$r (Antrag auf Erteilung eines Aufenthaltstitels) f. 1 photo g. Copy of EU/EWR Lichtbildausweis or EU passport of an EU/EWR national h. National passport i. Meldezettel and Meldebestaetigung to date j. Marriage certificate for the spouse or birth certificate for children k. Rueckgabebestaetigung der Legitimationskarte Duration: approximately one to two weeks * spouse and children under 21 years of age, not working ** for dependants over 2 1 years and not working, an obligation letter is required. Direct application to: Fremdenpolizei, Wasagasse 20, 1090 Vienna, Tel. : 3 1344-O Bezirkshauptmannschaft for those living outside of Vienna A permit application for dependants of Austrian national should be directed to the District Kommissariat . KFL-Lager Nr.01.-OeSD 735138 dfp/r (Antrag auf Erteilung eines Aufenthaltstitels) B : Residence permit10 (other then EU/EWR nationals): 1) Register at the Police station of the District Office (Polizeikommissariat) of their residence and get the Meldezettel (while a Legitimation card exempts from the registration obligation) 2) Application should be directed to the Magistratsabteilung, which should be accompanied by the following as the minimum requirements: l. Completed Application form KFL-Lager-Nr. 0 1 -0eSD. 73 5 13 8 dfb/r (Antrag auf Erteilung eines Aufenthaltstitels) in German m. Certificate issued by the Social Security Office confirming amount of pensions or other evidence of regular income. n. Evidence of sickness insurance coverage issued by the Social Security Office o. Copy of Meldezettel p. Copy of Mietvertrag, lease agreement or possession of premise. q. Copy of Legitimation card r. Copy of the national passport
10 No exception for Diplomatic Passport holder. A permanent visa will normally be granted in the regular National Passport
48 IAEA, 2 October, 2002 Preparing for Retirement
s. Copy of marriage certificate in case residence permit is also requested for spouse. (Official translation into German is required) t. 2 photos u. Meldebestaetigung issued by the Foreign Ministry (request through UN Pass Office-duration approx. 1 month) v. Rueckgabebestaetigung der Legitimationskarte, latest at the collection of a permit (Request through UN Pass Office-duration 2-4 weeks) w. Confirmation of Personal conduct in lieu of Police clearance of conduct issued by Office of Personnel ‘Einreichbestaetigung’ will be sent to the applicant by the Magistratsabteilung, which certifies that an application has been placed within the time limit. An invitation ‘Ladung’ will be sent to the applicant by the Magistratsabteilung to have any discrepancy clarified or to advise on the issuance of a permit. Duration : approximately 6-8 weeks 3) For those requesting a transfer of a residence permit (issued before 1 January 1998) to a new passport: x. Completed application form, KFL-Lager-Nr. 01-0eSD. 735138 dfp/r (Antrag auf Erteilung eines Aufenthaltstitels) y. 1 photo z. National passport aa. Meldezettel bb. Insurance policy cc. Evidence of regular income Direct application to: Magistratsabteilung of the District of residence. The Magistratsabteilung will decide, depending on the purpose of the residence in Austria, whether Fremdenpolizei or Bezirkshauptmannschaft or Magistratsabteilung will issue a permit. Remarks: Please note that it is prerequisite that the applicant commands the German language.
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List of Magistrat Offices (MA20)
Districts covered Address Telephone number
1st, 4th, 4th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 1080 Vienna 53436-0 9th Friedrich-Schmidt-Platz 3
2nd, 20th, 21st, 22nd 1020 Vienna 21106-0 Ernst-Happel-Stadion Sector E, 1st Floor
3rd, 10th, 11th 1110 Vienna 71134-0 Fickeystrasse 1
12th, 13th, 23rd 1130 Vienna 87834-0 Hietzinger Kai 1-3
14th, 15th 1150 Vienna 89134-0 Gasgasse 8-10
16th, 17th, 18th, 19th 1170 Vienna 40119-0 Ottakringerstrasse 54
C. Certificates Certificates of service and of social security coverage respectively can be obtained on request as follows: IAEA Certificates of service can be obtained from Ms. Debra Weisweiller, MTPR, A 0543, ext. 21530 [e-mail [email protected]]. Certificates on pension and health insurance coverage from Ms. Staschah Lepsanowitz, A 0550, ext. 21045 [e-mail S. [email protected]]. UNOV Certificates of service are provided by the respective Personnel Assistant; Certificates on pension income and health insurance coverage can be obtained from Ms. Maria Thorp, Room E 1075, ext. 4213. UNIDO Certificates of service are provided by Ms. Gunda Kovac/Ms. Elisabeth Ignatieff, FOA/HRM/HRS, D1650, ext. 3447. Certificates on pension income and health insurance coverage can be obtained from the Social Security office, D 1675, ext. 3475/3522.
50 IAEA, 2 October, 2002 Preparing for Retirement
Liability for certain taxes and dues It must be stressed that tax questions require individual consultation and the information given below does not attempt more than to list the main types of taxes you may have to deal with. Austria is one of the countries that grants income tax exemption on pensions paid in connection with service for the United Nations Organizations. However, for all other purposes you become liable to pay Austrian taxes and fees as outlined below.
(A) CHANGES DUE TO THE AUSTRIAN MEMBERSHIP IN THE EU (1 JANUARY 1995) In the course of the adjustment of Austria’s laws certain Austrian tax laws had to be adapted too. Especially the enactment of a new law on VAT changed partially the treatment of banking services. Austrian banks are forced to levy Austrian VAT of 20% on all fees in connection with custody services and management of securities (‘Depotgebuehr’) if the individual receiving such services is resident (‘Wohnsitz’) within the EU.
(B) INCOME TAX (‘EINKOMMENSTEUER’) Liability to income tax depends on the question whether a person resides in Austria or not. An individual is assumed to be residing where he either maintains a home or apartment or is physically present, under circumstances indicating that his stay will not be only temporary. Persons who reside or stay in Austria are subject to unlimited tax liability, i.e. they are liable for tax on their worldwide income. Double tax treaties concluded between Austria and the specific contracting state may provide for exceptions to these general rules. There are double tax treaties with a number of countries, which would not only deal with tax on income but in some cases also with inheritance tax. Persons, who have income in Austria, but who do not reside here are subject to limited tax liability, which is confined to certain types of income earned in Austria. The sources of income on which income tax falls due according to the status of resident or non-resident are specified in the income tax act Thus, income over and above the UN pension would need to be declared for income tax purposes. The procedure is as follows: The income tax return for the past calendar year (‘Einkommensteuer-Erklaerung’) must be submitted to the tax authorities by 31 March of the following year at the latest. The relevant forms can be obtained from the appropriate tax office (‘Finanzamt’). In general an extension of this deadline is available upon individual application. Under the heading ‘Finanzamt’ you will find in the telephone directory which tax office is the one covering your area of residence. Once completed, the form must be taken or mailed to the appropriate tax office. Based on the income declared on the form, the taxable income and the amount of tax payable are determined after taking into account exemptions from tax. You will receive an assessment concerning the amount of tax payable (‘Einkommensteuerbescheid’).
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(C) CAPITAL YIELDS TAX (‘KAPITALERTRAGSSTEUER’ - KEST) Generally dividend income and interest earned on certain bank deposits and securities are taxed at the rate of 25% p.a., a staggered increase to 25% according to maturity date applies for interest income on bonds. This tax covers income tax, and in case of interest income also inheritance tax, but not gift tax. The banks are responsible for remitting this tax to the local finance authorities. Holders of an identity card of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs (‘Legitimationskarte’) are exempt from tax on interest and have to sign a form indicating the number of the card. At the same time they undertake to notify the bank as soon as the identity card is cancelled or not extended. Staff members who chose to retire in Austria and have unlimited tax liability in Austria, will become liable to pay KEST, whereas staff member retiring abroad, who have limited tax liability in Austria, will remain exempted from REST on interest income in Austria. It is important that the bank is informed promptly of any change in status in respect of separation from service and/or residence.
(D) PROPERTY TAX (‘VERMOEGENSSTEUER’) The property tax has been abolished with the tax reform of 1994.
(E) INHERITANCE AND GIFT TAX (‘ERBSCHAFTS- UND SCHENKUNGSSTEUER’) In general inheritances and gifts must be declared by the beneficiary to the Office for Dues and Property-Transfer Tax (‘Finanzamt fuer Gebuehren und Verkehrssteuem’) within three months by completing the tax form (available at the tax office) or by means of a letter containing all relevant data. The tax office will determine the amount of tax payable. The percentage of tax depends on both the relationship between the beneficiary and the donor and the value of the gift or inheritance. The tax office conveys in an assessment (‘Bescheid’) the amount of tax payable. No inheritance tax is levied on bank deposits and securities the interest of which was subject to Austrian capital yields tax.
(F) REAL PROPERTY ACQUISITION TAX (‘GRUNDETWERBSTEUER’) The purchase of property in Austria by a person of non-Austrian nationality must be approved by a Real Property Transfer Commission (‘Grundverkehrskommission’). Once approved, the purchase must be declared to the ‘Finanzamt fuer Gebuehren und Verkehrssteuern’ within 1 l/2 months after the month in which the real property transfer took place. The revenue office conveys an assessment (‘Bescheid’) on the amount of tax due.
(G) DUES FOR RADIO AND TV If you previously benefited from these exemptions granted to non-Austrians you are now liable to inform the ‘Rundfunkamt Wien’, (Vienna Radio and Television Office) that on your separation from service the reason for exemption has become void. You must complete the form’Aenderungsmeldung’ (Advice of change) at the local post office by marking ‘Verzicht auf die Befieiung’ with the date of separation from service. Together with the completed form, you
52 IAEA, 2 October, 2002 Preparing for Retirement will have to surrender the white card confirming exemption for dues, which you received at the time of registering your radio and TV sets.
(H) ROAD TAX Upon separation, unless you leave the country by car, you may have to change your license plates. Usually, this action called ‘Kennzeichenummeldung’ (Advice of Changed Number Plates) is performed on your behalf by your insurance representative. In the course of this procedure, you will be briefed about the need to pay road tax (‘Motorbezogene Steuer’). The tax varies according to the power (measured in KW) of your car. It is payable together with the third party liability insurance premium. The amounts of road tax and insurance premium are lowest when paid annually, as more frequent payments result in an administrative surcharge
(I) CHURCH CONTRIBUTIONS The major churches (Roman Catholic and Protestant Churches) have agreed not to claim compulsory payment of contributions from staff members of non-Austrian nationality. After separation from service, however, you become subject to payment of contributions and therefore may wish to contact your church authorities to inform them accordingly. Please note that church contributions count as ‘Special expenditures’ for income tax purposes up to a maximum of AS 1,000 per year (valid in 2000).
(J) DOG LICENSES (former staff members at the level P-5 and above) In the calendar year following retirement, when purchasing a new registration mark for your dog at the ‘Magistratisches Bezirksamt’ of your district, you will be liable to pay the tax.
(K) CUSTOMS DUTIES While no further duty-free imports or commissary privileges exist after retirement, there is no payment of duties due on items obtained while in service. Cars imported duty-free may be sold without payment of duties after the required period of transfer. (For sale within the ‘time limit’ please contact the Legal Service.)
(L) V A T REIMBURSEMENTS: (former staff members at the level P-5 and above Following retirement, there is no further entitlement to claim reimbursement of VAT. VAT claims for expenditures made in the last semester before retirement should be made not later than one year after the expiration of this privilege
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Financial matters and transactions Due to the complete liberalization of the Austrian foreign exchange regulations all transactions are generally permitted. Only reporting regulations of the Austrian National Bank regarding the statistical recording of payment transactions with other countries are still in force.
Hobbies, studies, travel and activities for senior citizens All varieties of subjects are available in the Internet under for example http://www.magwien.gv.at/senioren and http://www.senioren.netclub.at/senioren
(A) VIC CLUBS All clubs in the VIC are happy to have retired staff among their members. Some have even reduced their membership fees to accommodate and/or to attract retired staff members (list of clubs available with ARICSA).
(B) LANGUAGE CLASSES Retired staff members are welcome at the language classes. Admission is on a ‘space available’ basis, after the application of active staff members have been accommodated (Language Courses IAEA Staff Council or UNOV Language Courses).
(C) UNIVERSITY STUDIES AND ‘VOLKSHOCHSCHULE’ The Austrian Ministry of Education is promoting a scheme of university studies for senior citizens. This follows an increasing interest among Austrian pensioners to use the time after retirement for pursuing studies for which professional life did not leave sufficient time. Special advice for senior citizens every Tuesday from 16:00-17:00h. (OeH-Seniorenreferat, OeH-Gang im Neuen Institutsgebaeude, orange Tuer, Universitaetsstr. 7, Tel.: 4277 19580). The ‘Volkshochschulen’ offer a wide range of all kind of courses of instruction, culture, training, hobbies etc.. They are located all over Vienna and information could be obtained under the telephone number: BILDUNGSTELEFON 893 00 83
(D) TRAVEL The majority of European railway companies grant reductions on their rail and bus services from the age of 60 for women and 65 for men. After this age has been attained and certain restrictions observed (e.g. in some countries or for international travel only on certain weekdays) rail travel can become financially quite attractive. A reduction is granted to persons in possession of a ‘senior citizen card’ (Seniorenausweis), which can be purchased at any bigger railway station in nearly all European countries, price and conditions vary. As the reduction is based only on the criterion of age, a proof of age in the form of a valid passport is required to apply for the senior citizen card as well as passport photographs.
54 IAEA, 2 October, 2002 Preparing for Retirement
Austrian Railway’s Senior Citizen Card (OEBB - Seniorenausweis) for travel within Austria: The card costs AS 350.- (yearly rate applicable in the current year) for one calendar year. It is available as of 1 December in the preceding year and is valid until 31 January of the following year. Possession of this card entitles the holder to a 50 % reduction on the tariffs of all the bus and rail service of the Austrian Railways (OEBB) and the Post Office bus service, of the Danube Steam Shipping Company and some of the cable cars. There is no limitation on the timing of travel within Austria.
(E) PUBLIC TRANSPORT (OEFFENTLICHE VERKEHRSMITTEL) IN VIENNA After completion of the relevant request, (the form can be obtained at any bigger U-Bahn station) and the submission of a passport photograph and your passport the Wiener Verkehrsbetriebe will issue a ‘Senioren-Jahreskarte’ (as of age 60 for women and 65 for men) for all public transports in Vienna at half-price
(F) PENSIONERS’ CLUBS There are many pensioners’ clubs in Austria (a total of 186 in Vienna alone). Two organizations in Vienna offer quite extensive programmes, namely social gatherings at club facilities in every district, group tours at reduced prices, reduced tickets for cultural and sporting events, free legal consultations and help in legal matters relating to pensions etc. Due to their large membership, both clubs have a degree of political influence. In general, their main target is, of course, the overall improvement of the status of senior citizens. Wiener Seniorenbund - which issues the magazine ‘Wiener Seniorenblatt’, 1010 Wien, Biberstr. 9 , Tel. 5 15 43 12 or Pensionistenverband Oesterreichs - which issues the magazine ‘Rentner und Pensionist’, 1090 Wien, Alserbachstr. 23, Tel. 3 13 720
Health care and welfare facilities for senior citizens Senioren Servicetelefon: 8, Schlesinger Platz 2, Dachgeschoss (Lift), Mon. -Fri. 8- 16 h. Tel. 4000-8580, Fax 4000 99 85888 GESUNDHEITSTELEFON: 533 28 28 (giving general information on health subjects, like symptoms of illness, vaccinations
(A) GENERAL PRACTITIONERS You may now find it advisable to select a general practitioner within easy reach of your residence. The VLC Medical Service can probably advise you on how to find one in your district. Alternatively, you can select one from the telephone directory. Please bear in mind that the general practitioner is the key to the municipal infrastructure for social services. You should make sure that the doctor of your choice is willing to make house calls and if not available, could be reached through ‘Aerztezentrale’ Tel. 123. Emergency assistance is available through ‘Aerzte- Funkdienst’ Tel. 141 and by calling the ambulance Tel. 144.
IAEA, 2 October, 2002 55 General Information
(B) MEDICAL CHECK-UP Certain medical tests should become a routine after a certain age and you may wish to consult your attending physician(s) thereon. The Austrian medical authorities run a scheme under the title ‘Gesundenuntersuchung’ which provides for a complete medical examination at regular intervals.
(C) SERVICE DEPARTMENT FOR FOREIGN PATIENTS Assistance in choosing doctors and hospitals in non-emergency situations by contacting in writing or by phone: Aerztekammer - Servicestelle tuer auslaendische Patienten 1010 Wien, Weihburggasse 10-12 During working hours 08:00 - 16:00 hrs. Tel. 51 501 ext. 219 Fax 51 501 ext 290
Outside working hours and on week-ends and holidays: Only for emergency assistance - in case of an acute medical emergency: Tel. 40 144 Fax 40 155 99 (attended through Aerzteflug-Ambulance)
(D) SOCIAL SERVICES OF THE CITY OF VIENNA 1 , Gonzagagasse 23, 1 . Stock, Zi. 1 3 1 , Tel. 53 1 14/85255, Thur. 15:30 - 1800 Internet: http://www.magwien.gv.at/ma12 The City of Vienna in collaboration with different social service organizations provides many facilities to assist senior citizens, particularly when sickness or convalescence disrupt normal household routines: ‘Essen auf Raedern’ (Meals on wheels): a ready-to-serve menu is delivered to the house ‘Heimhilfe’: daily household routine work, shopping etc. ‘Waeschepflegedienst’: the laundry is collected, washed and ironed, and brought back ready for the cupboard ‘Mobile Schwestern’: (upon request of the doctor) nurses come to the house for routine medical assistance, like injections, blood-pressure control, delivering medication, etc. ‘Besuchsdienst’: visit from social workers to discuss problems, assist with errands etc. Repair and cleaning services for persons who can no longer arrange such chores for themselves Legal advice and counseling on all matters of social security All these services are available against a cost contribution. Information about these services can be obtained at the ‘Sozialer Stuetzpunkt’of the municipality in your district. For telephone inquiries you may wish to note the Vienna telephone number: 533 77 77 (emergency call for social and health matters, daily from 08:00 - 20:00 hrs) where you can obtain information about and assistance from all the social services.
56 IAEA, 2 October, 2002 Preparing for Retirement
The addresses and the telephone numbers of the district office are as follows
Districts District Office
District: 1, 7, 8, 9 1, Schottenring 25, Part., Tel. 531 14/01800 District: 2, 20 2, Engerthstrasse 150, Stiege 13, Part., Zugang Holubstrasse 1 Tel. 216 73 72 or 216 77 52 District: 3, 11 11, Simmeringer Hauptstrasse 34-40, Stiege 4, Eingang Geystr. Tel. 749 53 98 or 749 53 99 District: 4, 5, 6 4, Rainergasse 6-8, Part., Tel. 505 72 09 or 505 06 10 District 10 10, Gudrunstrasse 145- 149, Tel. 605 34/l 0800 District: 12, 13, 23 12, Am Schoepfwerk 29, Stiege 6, Part., Tel. 667 93 3 1,667 93 32 District: 14, 1 5 15, Geibelgasse 18-20, Tel. 891 34/l 5800 District: 16 16, Roterdstrasse 12-14, Stiege 34, Tel. 485 63 65, 485 49 38 District: 17, 18, 19 18, Schulgasse 19, Eingang Hans Sachsgasse 19, Tel. 480 29 29 or 408 66 03 District: 21, 22 22, Finsterergasse 12, Tel. 211 32/22800, Fax 211 32 99 22800
Zentrale Der Sozialpflegerischen Dienste / Soziale Stuetzpunkte: 1, Neutorgasse 15 Tel. 531 14/85790 Zentrale Fuer Haus Krankenpflege: Tel. 531 14/8500
(E ) ‘SENIORENWOCHE’ Another service in Vienna specially designed for senior citizens is the ‘Seniorenwoche’. This is an exhibition at the Wiener Stadthalle which takes place once a year. Together with various cultural performances, information is given on many aspects of retirement.
Legal Assistance It may be of help to you to know that the Chamber of Lawyers, (‘Rechtsanwaltskammer’) provides free counseling on legal matters in a one-time consultation. The address is Rechtsanwaltskammer fuer Wien, Niederoesterreich und das Burgenland 1010 Wien, Rotenturmstrasse 13, Parterre Monday - Thursday from 17:30 - 19:00 (numbers are provided at 16 hrs) Tel. 533 27 18 0* Counseling is given in German only and every first Tuesday per month in English (please indicate when taking the number
Accommodation Your forthcoming retirement may be a good time to review your present accommodation arrangements critically. The criteria you applied when choosing your present residence may no longer be valid. Considerations like location within easy commuting distance of the office or size in respect of
IAEA, 2 October, 2002 57 General Information hospitality obligations may now be superseded by other criteria like nearness to every-day shopping facilities, sufficient space for indoor hobbies, comfortable heating system, first or second floor rather than higher up in case of lift failure, etc. The amount of rent may have been reasonable while in active service, but could prove a burden when living on a pensioner’s income. Furthermore, the majority of rents are freely negotiated and are normally subject to increases based on the cost of living index in Austria, which may move faster than the adjustment of your pension. This is only a glimpse of a variety of questions you should pose to yourself in order to decide whether your accommodation is still suitable for your purposes after retirement If you decide that you will remain in your rented house or apartment, you should review your lease agreement before retirement, so that any extension can be arranged well in time and in writing During active service you can enlist the help of the Housing Services (IAEA Housing Service, F0817/F0818, ext. 22970/22971) concerning questions relating to lease agreements and rent. You may wish to note that there are public institutions providing similar services, namely:
(A) TENANTS’ ASSOCIATION: ‘MIETERVEREINIGUNG’ This association provides advice, protection and help to its members in matters relating to Austrian Rental Law. An initial registration fee is payable in addition to an annual membership fee. The services offered to members are legal advice on mattes relating to tenancies and accommodation, representation by a trained official in cases of dispute at court, use of a lawyer in legal proceedings relating to tenancies arising after 6 months’ membership, and a free copy of a magazine called ‘Der Mieter’. The address of the Tenants’ Association is: Mietervereinigung, Landesorganisation Wien 1010 Wien, Reichsratstrasse 15, Tel. 401 85’0 Another organization for tenants and apartment owners is: Oesterr. Mieter- und Wohnungseigentuemerbund 1010 Wien, Biberstrasse 7, Tel. 5 12 53 60
(B) ASSOCIATION FOR CONSUMER INFORMATION (‘VEREIN FUER KONSUMENTENINFORMATION’) This association which aims at educating consumers and assists them to make an objective comparison of products on the market, provides, inter alia, an advisory service on housing matters (architectural advice, heating, plumbing, electrical appliances etc.) and also legal advice on tenant problems (16:00 - 18:30 hrs). The address is: 1060 Wien, Mariahilfer Strasse 81, - Tel. 587 86 86’
58 IAEA, 2 October, 2002 Preparing for Retirement
(C) ARBITRATION BOARD (‘SCHLICHTUNGSSTELLE’) Advises in cases of dispute regarding rental charges for accommodation, subject to the Austrian Rental Law (‘KategorieMietzins’). You will find an office of the ‘Schlichtungsstelle’ in the ‘Magistratisches Bezirksamt’ of your district.
(D) ACCOMMODATION ADVICE OF THE CITY OF VIENNA If you wish to change accommodation after retirement or plan to make home improvements, it may be worthwhile to contact: ‘Wohnberatungszentrum’, 1010 Wien, Doblhoffgasse 6, Tel. 4000*7900 Mon. - Fri. 8 -13, Thu. I5:30 - 17:30 Reviewed by ARICSA (October 2000)
IAEA, 2 October, 2002 59
Preparing for Retirement
Information for those who leave Austria
Termination of Leases A lease expires automatically on the date provided for in the contract unless you have agreed on an extension beforehand. Should you decide to leave, be sure to notify your landlord well in advance. Should you wish to leave before the lease expires please check the notice clause in your agreement. You may give notice, usually per the end of the calendar month to take effect at the end of the notice period. A registered letter is advisable but a facsimile is normally accepted to safeguard the time limit but should be followed up by registered letter. If your lease contract contains a ‘diplomatic clause’ then you should refer to that fact also. Two weeks before you leave your apartment or house you should contact your landlord and make an appointment for the hand-over. At the time of handing over you should be given any deposit owing to you, minus costs for any damages not within normal wear and tear, and minus any outstanding bills such as gas, electricity and telephone. Please notify the Housing Service (IAEA F08 17 and F08 18, x 22970-3) when giving notice or at least three to four weeks before moving out, so that they may contact your landlord with a view to renting the apartment to another staff member.
Utilities and Telephone You should inform the Gas and Electricity Board of Vienna (Wiener E-Werke) as soon as possible prior to your moving out, so that arrangements can be made to have your final bill prepared. Your landlord should assist you in this matter. If your telephone is listed in your name, you have to complete a form, obtainable at any Post Office, so that the telephone can be transferred to the next tenant. This form must be deposited with your landlord. The telephone company must be contacted at least one week in advance for the final bill. If in doubt, your landlord should assist you in this matter. You may find the following telephone numbers useful: Gas- und E-Werke (Gas and Electricity Company) Accounting Department Tel. 3 13 69*601 – 623, district wise Post- und Telegraphenverwaltung (Telephone Company) Accounting Department (Telecom-Rechnungsstelle) Office Hrs. Mon-Fri 7-l 2hrs Tel. 515 00*0
IAEA, 2 October, 2002 61 General Information
Private Insurance Contracts This refers to private liability insurances, personal property insurances, etc.. As soon as you have decided to leave Austria, contact your insurance representative(s) to discuss whether your policies have to be terminated or can be continued in the country of your future residence. Your insurance representative will then advise you on the appropriate action to take, and, in case of termination, any amount that may be refundable to you for any unused part of your insurance.
Schools If, as a consequence of departure from the duty station, your child(ren) have to interrupt school attendance during the scholastic year, be sure to inform the school well in advance of the date when your child(ren) will last attend school. At the same time you should request a certificate of school attendance that may be required for your child(ren)’s future studies.
Societies, subscriptions, etc. If you leave the country, any society or club to which you belong should be informed of the date on which you will cease to be a member. Remember to give timely notice of your departure to the various publications to which you subscribe, and if you wish to continue to receive them, notify them of your change of address.
Forwarding Order For future correspondence with your employing organization you will be asked to indicate your contacting address on the Final Clearance Form. Please advise any subsequent change promptly, so as to avoid mail delays. You may also wish to arrange for the forwarding of mail still sent to your Vienna address. The relevant order card is available at the post office and the local post office will then forward the requested communications to your new address. The order must be stamped with AS 25.and is operative for a period of 3 months, an extension costs AS 15 per month, up to one year AS 100
Banks It is essential that you inform the bank(s) at the latest one week before your departure of your forwarding address. If you wish to cancel your accounts, you should consider any standing or collecting order you may have and the date(s) of the last cheque(s) you have issued, to prevent payments being claimed after the closure of the account. In case you wish to maintain your account(s) (e.g. because of your After-Service Health Insurance (ASHI) participation), the bank would need to reflect your changed status (as ‘Devisenauslaender’ instead of ‘Deviseninlaender’). Accordingly, residing abroad would mean the exemption from capital gains tax on the interest of your deposits. Please note that generally overdrafts are not allowed on non-resident accounts and therefore, it is essential that you consult with your bank before leaving.
62 IAEA, 2 October, 2002 Preparing for Retirement
Useful addresses
August 2001
VIC & UN
Vienna International Centre A –1400 Vienna Wagramerstrasse 5
International Atomic Energy Agency P.O. Box 100 (for private mail P.O. Box 200) Telephone:+43 (1) 2600-0 Fax: +43 (1) 2600 7
UNJSPF New York Mr. Bernard Cochemé, Chief Executive Officer and Secretary UN Joint Staff Pension Fund United Nations, New York , N.Y. 10017, USA
Telephone: (+1 212) 963 6931 Fax: (+1 212) 963 3146 E-mail: [email protected]
UNJSPF Office Geneva Mr. Gilbert Ferrari, Chief, Pension Fund Office Geneva Palais des Nations, 8-14, Avenue de la Paix 1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland
Telephone: (+41 22) 917 3233 Fax: (+41 22) 917 0004 E-mail: [email protected]
Homepages for pension fund rules and regulations, information and forms New York: http://www.un.org/unjspf Geneva: http://www.unog.ch/penfund/
IAEA Staff Pension Committee Ms. Rula Sabat, Secretary Room A 0548, Ext. 21571 P.O. Box 200, A 1400 Vienna E-mail: [email protected]
IAEA, 2 October, 2002 63 General Information
ARICSA Mr. Klaus Feldmann, President, ARICSA Room C 0262, Tel. 2600 Ext. 26116 P.O. Box 100, A 1400 Vienna E-mail: [email protected]
Staff Counsellor: Ms. Patience Gebauer Room B 0532, Ext. 26065
Van Breda Claims, Submission to: J. Van Breda & Co. International Plantin en Moretuslei 295 B 2140 Borgerhout, ANTWERP, Belgium
E-mail: [email protected] Internet: http://www.int.vanbreda.com
Hot Line: 0800 20 85 96 Monday – Friday 9:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 16:30 (local call rate from within Austria)
IAEA General Information on Health Insurance matters and hospitalisation: Mr. Robert Umlauf Social Security Unit, Division of Personnel Room A 0549, Ext. 21032 E-mail: [email protected]
IAEA After Service Medical Insurance Plan – Premium payments: Payroll inquiry: Division of Budget and Finance Room A 0623, Ext. 21061
IAEA Staff Council Office: Room A 0425, Ext. 21554/21555
Austrian Social Security System:
Pension Pensionsversicherungsanstalt der Angestellten Friedrich Hillegeist-Strasse 1 A 1021 Vienna, Tel: 211 35*0
Health Insurance Wiener Gebietskrankenkasse Wienerbergstrasse 13 A 1100 Vienna, Tel: 601 22*0
64 IAEA, 2 October, 2002 Preparing for Retirement
Financial Problems Schuldnerberatung der Stadt Wien Obere Augartenstrasse 26-28, 1 Stock A 1020 Vienna, Tel: 330 87 35 or 330 87 36
Internet: http://www.magwien.gv.at/
Housing Wohnberatungszentrum der Stadt Wien Informationsstelle fuer Wohungssuchende Doblhoffgasse 6 A 1010 Wien, Tel: 4000/7900
Health Ärztekammer Wien – Patientenservice Monday – Friday, 7 – 19 hrs. Tel: 1771
Gesundheitsamt der Stadt Wien – Gesundheitstelephon: 553 28 28
Ärzte-Funkdienst Tel: 141
PROBLEMS: Kummer Nummer International, Tel: 457046 – 5457047
The Befrienders – care for the despairing, Tel: 713 33 74
IAEA, 2 October, 2002 65
Preparing for Retirement
Association of Retired International Civil Servants in Austria (ARICSA)
Initially the brainchild of some IAEA retirees, regular meetings in the VIC of UN-system retirees date back to 1979. Originally known as ‘a group of retired IAEA, UNIDO and UN staff in Austria and chaired for many years by the late indefatigable Dr. Henry Seligmann, the members of this informal body represented the interests of a growing number of retirees in and around Vienna. By 1993, these meetings had taken on a more formal guise and it was ultimately decided to create an official body, the statutes of which were approved in November of that year. ARICSA thus came into being. Eligible for membership are: all UN-system retirees resident in Austria and their surviving spouses, as well as retirees from the Vienna-based organisations no longer resident in Austria. It is known that more than 1,400 UN retirees reside in Austria [for the most part in Vienna or Lower Austria], over 700 of whom are members of ARICSA. The Association holds general meetings twice a year at the VIC and members are duly informed of this and other events through the ARICSA Newsletter.
Aims The aims of the Association are to: Promote and protect the rights and interests of UN-system retirees in Austria Support the principles and purposes of the United Nations and its work Provide a forum for the discussion of problems and represent its members’ interests before the appropriate United Nations bodies and Austrian authorities Provide information and assistance to individual members and promote social contacts among them The annual membership fee currently stands at EUR 10 for members resident in Austria; those not resident in Austria pay a fee of EUR 7. Surviving spouses pay EUR 3 a year. Life membership can be acquired through a one-time payment of EUR 180. Membership declaration forms and Zahlschein (bank slip) for payment of the fee can be obtained from the ARICSA Office in room C-0262, tel. 2600 26116. The office facilities and premises have been kindly provided by the IAEA and UNOV. Apart from providing a venue for committee meetings, the ARICSA Office is also the hub of the retiree assistance service co-ordinated by Ms. Rita Klass comprising a volunteer telephone service which has regular opening hours and at present operates three afternoons a week (2-5 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays) with Executive Committee members substituting in the mornings.
IAEA, 2 October, 2002 67 General Information
The Executive Committee The current members of the Executive Committee are: President Klaus Feldmann Vice-Presidents Peter Lillie William Price Executive Secretary Josefine Andorfer Treasurer Antje Henningsen Administrative Linde Doblmayr Assistant Health Counsellor Dr. Robin Edward
Services and issues In the past the Association has addressed a number of issues with varying degrees of success: Use of the VIC library. Retirees (except UNIDO retirees) can avail themselves of a procedure set up to facilitate use of the library after active service Participation in staff recreation activities in the VIC Liaison with other UN-system retiree organisations as well as with Austrian authorities and organisations on matters of pertinence to retirees, viz. access to the labour market or residence issues Maintenance of international civil servant status beyond retirement and related privileges, involving such ticklish issues as access to the Commissary or continued non-payment of capital gains tax (Kest) that have yet to be resolved Almost as a matter of course, the Association provides advice on: Banking matters, such as the correct and timely payment of pensions by local banks or prevailing interest rates Senior citizen concessions and facilities in and around Vienna Problems of adjustment in the early days of retirement If you thus wish to be sure that your interests are being safeguarded where it matters and seek advice on retirement-related matters, you should consider joining ARICSA. It will help you to keep in touch with former colleagues as well as open a window of opportunity for keeping abreast of developments within the system. The association maintains a close watch on developments in the realm of pensions and after-service health insurance. ARICSA looks forward to welcoming you into its ranks. ARICSA has many counterparts around the world. As is to be expected, the largest retiree- organisations are to be found in the host-countries to major duty stations: France, Italy, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. Should you be retiring to another country, a list of those countries with associations is given below. Together they form FAFICS.
68 IAEA, 2 October, 2002 Preparing for Retirement
Federation Of Associations of Former International Civil Servants (FAFICS)
ARICSA is an active member of the Federation of Associations of Former International Civil Servants (FAFICS). FAFICS represents UN-system retirees in the deliberations of the UN Joint Staff Pension Board, the Standing Committee of the Fund and it enjoys consultative status with ECOSOC. It is also planning to become a member of the Board of the Conference of Non- Governmental Organisations in Consultative Relationship with the United Nations (CONGO). Based in the Palais des Nations in Geneva (room C.542-1), FAFICS shares interests in common with all its member associations. The Associations that constitute FAFICS are to be found in:
Argentina Asociación de Ex-Funcionarios de las Naciones Unidas de Argentina (AFICS Argentina) c/o UNDP Casilla 2257 1000 BUENOS AIRES [email protected]
Australia Australian Association of Former International Civil Servants (AAFICS) c/o Dr. John Hirshman 212 Old South Head Road VAUCLUSE, NSW 2030 [email protected]
Austria Association of Retired International Civil Servants in Austria (ARICSA) Vienna International Centre, Room C.0262 P.O. Box 100 1400 VIENNA [email protected]
IAEA, 2 October, 2002 69 General Information
Brazil Associação de Antigos Funcionários Internacionais no Brasil (AAFIB) Centro de Informações da ONU Palãcio Itamaraty Av. Marechal Floriano 196 20080 RIO DE JANEIRO [email protected]
Canada Canadian Association of Former International Civil Servants (CAFICS/ACAFI) c/o ICAO 999 University Street MONTREAL, Qué. H3C 5H7 [email protected]
Chile Asociación de Ex-Funcionarios de Naciones Unidas en Chile (AFICS Santiago) Edificio Naciones Unidas, Office Z-119 Avenida Dag Hammarskjold Casilla 179 D SANTIAGO DE CHILE
Colombia Asociación de Pensionados de Naciones Unidas en Colombia (ASOPENUC) Apartado Aéreo 90423 SANTAFE DE BOGOTA
Ethiopia Association of Former International Civil Servants (AFICS Addis Ababa) c/o Economic Commission for Africa PO Box 3001 ADDIS ABABA [email protected]
France Association des anciens fonctionnaires de l'UNESCO (AAFU/AFUS) UNESCO, Bureau MR 01 1 rue Miollis 75732 PARIS Cedex 15 [email protected]
70 IAEA, 2 October, 2002 Preparing for Retirement
India Association of Former United Nations Personnel in and of India (AFUNPI) Box 8011 Sadashivanagar Post Office BANGALORE 560 080
and United Nations Pensioners' Association (UNPA) F-216 Mansrover Garden NEW DELHI 110 015
Italy Former FAO and other UN Staff Association (FFOA) c/o FAO Viale delle Terme de Caracalla 00100 ROMA [email protected]
and Former Officials Association - FOA Turin International Training Centre of the ILO Corso Unità d'Italia 125 10127 TORINO [email protected]
Mexico Asociación de Ex Funcionarios de las Naciones Unidas en México (AFPNU) Presidente Masaryk 29 Apartado Postal 6-718 MEXICO D.F. 11570 [email protected]
New Zealand N.Z. Association of Former U.N. Officials (AFUNO) c/o Mr. Ed. Dowding 16A Moore St. BIRKENHEAD, Auckland 1310
Russian Federation Association of Former International Civil Servants (Moscow) c/o UNIC No. 4 Glazovsky Per. MOSCOW 121002 [email protected]
IAEA, 2 October, 2002 71 General Information
Sri Lanka Association of Former International Civil Servants (Sri Lanka) 158/10 Lake Drive COLOMBO 8 [email protected]
Switzerland Association des anciens fonctionnaires internationaux (AAFI/AFICS) Bureau C.542-1 Palais des Nations 1211 GENEVE 10 [email protected]
United Kingdom British Association of Former United Nations Civil Servants (BAFUNCS) c/o Dr. David N. Axford Chairman, Executive Committee Honey End, 14 Ock Meadow STANFORD-IN-THE-VALE, Oxon SN7 8LN www.un.org/other/afics/bafuncs.htm [email protected]
United States of America Association of Former International Civil Servants (AFICS New York) Room DC 1-580 United Nations NEW YORK NY 10017 [email protected]
Uruguay Asociación de Ex-Funcionarios de las Naciones Unidas en Uruguay (AFICS Uruguay) Javier Barrios Amorin 870 P.3 Casilla de Correo 1207 – Correo Central 11200 MONTEVIDEO [email protected]
December 2001
72 IAEA, 2 October, 2002 Preparing for Retirement
ANNEX
Example UNJSPF Forms
The following pages contain examples of a number of the more important UNJSPF forms. The latest version of these and all other pension forms can be obtained from the UNJSPF web site: http://www.unjspf.org/ The forms are in PDF format. In order to view or print them, you will need Adobe's Acrobat Reader, which is available from Adobe Systems for free download through a link on the UNJSPF forms page.
IAEA, 2 October, 2002 73
UNITED NATIONS JOINT STAFF PENSION FUND INSTRUCTIONS FOR PAYMENT OF BENEFITS
Pension Number
(For participants with 5 or more years of Contributory Service)
As a participant in the Pension Fund you will, upon separation, become entitled to one of the benefits indicated on page 2.
To assist you in filling out this form, you should read the instructions below since all parts of the form do not necessarily apply to your situation.
If you believe you are entitled to a disability benefit you should not complete this form, but should refer to Administrative Rule H.6.
1. If you wish to elect deferment of payment or choice of benefit (under the terms of Article 32 of the Regulations), the ONLY action required by you is to enter your mailing address and sign the statement below. Please note the important provision of Article 32, which applies if you defer election, but make no final choice within 36 months. However, in accordance with Article 44 the Fund shall not be liable for interest on any due but unpaid benefits.
2. If you wish to submit payment instructions at this time, please complete this form as follows: a) You should complete Parts I and II, and sign the form on pages 2 and 3. b) If you have less than 5 years of contributory service, you should NOT complete this form, but should get in touch with the Secretary of your Staff Pension Committee.
(Please read carefully the notes which are intended as a guide to the benefit to which you may be entitled.)
3. Completed form should be sent to the Secretary of your Staff Pension Committee.
4. Additional points to be noted: a) A participant is not deemed to have reached the age of 55, 60, or 62, until the end of the day of his/her 55th, 60th, or 62nd birthday, respectively. b) Entitlement to a benefit does not exist until a participant separates from service. c) No benefit can be paid until documentation is processed and payment is certified by the CEO of the Pension Fund. d) Monthly pension benefits may be subject to cost-of-living adjustments.
5. Articles 34, 35, 35 bis, 36 and 37 of the Regulations automatically provide for certain benefits in respect of eligible widows, widowers, divorced surviving spouses, children or secondary dependants.
6. Full commutation may be possible where the amount of a periodic benefit would be below US$300 per year.
7. You should have on file a “Designation of Recipient of Residual Settlement” form. Any desired change in such designations should be submitted on form PENS.A/2.
8. Please refer to Article 46 of the Regulations regarding forfeiture of benefits.
NOTE: The following portion is to be completed ONLY if you elect deferment of payment under Article 32 of the Regulations; please note that your account accrues interests only until your separation date. If you elect to such deferment, please return this page to the Secretary of your Staff Pension Committee and RETAIN pages 2 and 3, to be used when notifying your final decision.
I, , wish to defer payment or choice of benefit for a (Print Name) period of up to 36 months from the date of my separation, as provided for in Article 32 of the Regulations.
My future mailing address is:
(Number and Street) (City)
(State or Province) (Postal Code) (Country)
Date Signature:
1 PENS.E/7(4-01)-E
UNITED NATIONS JOINT STAFF PENSION FUND INSTRUCTIONS FOR PAYMENT OF BENEFITS
Pension Number
(For participants with 5 or more years of Contributory Service)
Part I – ELECTION OF BENEFIT (Please mark the applicable box below and sign at the bottom of the page.)
(Surname) (First) (Middle)
A. RETIREMENT BENEFIT FOR PARTICIPANTS WHO HAVE REACHED THE NORMAL RETIREMENT AGE (Article 28) (See note 4)
1. Full pension……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 2. One-third lump sum, OR $ if less than one third, OR your contributions with interest if greater, AND the balance as a pension. This means renouncing all rights to a minimum pension…………...
B. EARLY RETIREMENT BENEFIT FOR PARTICIPANTS WHO HAVE REACHED AGE 55, BUT HAVE NOT REACHED THE NORMAL RETIREMENT AGE (Article 29) (See note 4)
1. Full early retirement pension ………………………………………………………………………………………….. 2. One-third lump sum, OR $ if less than one third, OR your contributions with interest if greater, AND the balance as an early retirement benefit…………………………………………………………...
NOTE 1. Immediate pension at a reduced rate, with survivor’s benefits. Child’s benefit to commence only from the normal retirement age or at death, if earlier.
C. DEFERRED RETIREMENT BENEFIT FOR PARTICIPANTS AT ANY AGE UNDER THE NORMAL RETIREMENT AGE (ARTICLE 30) (See notes 2, 3 and 4)
Full deferred pension, with survivor’s benefits, payable at the normal retirement age…………………………..
NOTE 2. Deferred benefits may be paid, at a reduced rate, on or after age 55. Kindly notify the Fund approximately one month prior to the age at which you wish your deferred benefit to begin.
NOTE 3. No child’s benefit is payable under any form of deferred pension.
NOTE 4. The normal retirement age is 62 for those whose participation commenced or recommenced on or after 1 January 1990. (It is age 60 for those whose continuous participation had commenced before 1990.)
D. WITHDRAWAL SETTLEMENT AT ANY AGE UNDER THE NORMAL RETIREMENT AGE (Article 31)
A final cash withdrawal settlement which will extinguish all other entitlements…………………………………..
Date: Signature:
2 PENS.E/7(4-01)-E UNITED NATIONS JOINT STAFF PENSION FUND INSTRUCTIONS FOR PAYMENT OF BENEFITS Pension Number
PART II – PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS (PLEASE PRINT or TYPE – DO NOT USE ABBREVIATIONS) I, , hereby submit (Surname) (First) (Middle) payment instructions for the benefit payable to me as elected in Part 1 (see page 2).
NOTE: Payment will have to be made in your name to your account only. If you do not have a bank account and are unable to open one, then payment may be sent in care of a United Nations office. Payment cannot be remitted to a mailing address, nor can it be made to a third party. A. Payment Instructions (If payment instructions are not completed in full, this form will be returned, causing delay in payment of benefit.)
1. MONTHLY BENEFIT By remittance to my account as follows: NAME OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTION BANK ACCOUNT NUMBER
(NAME OF BRANCH, IF APPLICABLE)
Indicate your SWIFT, ABA, Routing, BLZ, ABI, CAB or sorting (ADDRESS) code, etc. as required by your bank for direct deposit.
(CITY, STATE, POSTAL CODE, COUNTRY)
NOTE: Please provide a document from your bank indicating bank codes and preferred routing for international payments.
2. LUMP SUM (Complete only if different from above.) By remittance to my account as follows: NAME OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTION BANK ACCOUNT NUMBER
(NAME OF BRANCH, IF APPLICABLE)
Indicate your SWIFT, ABA, Routing, BLZ, ABI, CAB or sorting (ADDRESS) code, etc. as required by your bank for direct deposit.
(CITY, STATE, POSTAL CODE, COUNTRY)
B. Currency of Payment: Lump Sum Monthly Benefit (Please Specify) (Please Specify) NOTE: Benefits may be payable in any currency selected by the recipient. Unless indicated otherwise, payment of your benefit will be made in U.S. dollars. With respect to the lump sum, if any currency other than US dollars is selected, the conversion from U.S. dollars will be done by the bank without Pension Fund involvement.
C. Mailing address (to be completed in all cases):
(Number and Street) (City)
(State or Province) (Postal Code) (Country)
Date: Signature:
3 PENS.E/7(4-01)-E
UNITED NATIONS JOINT STAFF PENSION FUND I M P O R T A N T Please enter your Retirement Number CHANGE IN PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS
PLEASE PRINT OR TYPE
(S U R N A M E) (F I R S T) (M I D D L E)
MAILING ADDRESS:
MAKE PAYMENT TO MY ACCOUNT AS FOLLOWS:
CURRENCY OF PAYMENT: (Please specify)
NAME OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTION TYPE OF ACCOUNT AND NUMBER Enter 'C' if Checking Account, or 'S' if Savings Account 'C' OR 'S' ACCOUNT NUMBER NAME OF BRANCH, IF APPLICABLE
ADDRESS TRANSIT/ABA ROUTING NUMBER (To be obtained from your bank if located in the USA)
STREET
CITY, STATE, POSTAL CODE, COUNTRY
For administrative reasons, the above payment instructions will have to remain in force for at least one year.
Date: Signature:
PF.23 (8-92)
*A2* Pension No.
UNITED NATIONS JOINT STAFF PENSION FUND
DESIGNATION OF RECIPIENT OF A RESIDUAL SETTLEMENT (UNDER ARTICLE 38 OF THE REGULATIONS)
Please read the instructions carefully before completing the form INSTRUCTIONS
1. It should be noted that the recipient of a benefit under articles 34, 35, 36 and 37 of the Regulations, is automatically the widow, widower, unmarried child under 21 or eligible secondary dependent respectively. However, when a benefit becomes payable under these articles, no benefit becomes payable under article 38 (residual settlement) except if, on the cessation of such payment, the total amount of the benefits paid to you and on your account is less than your own contributions. In that event, the difference will be paid to the person designated by you in this form. If no benefit has been paid to you or on your account, the total amount of your own contributions will be paid to the designated recipient.
2. If more than one recipient is designated, the recipients will share equally unless otherwise indicated. The share of a designated recipient who may predecease you will be distributed among surviving recipients in the ratio of their own shares. If no one is designated before your death or if no one designated survives you, the settlement will be paid to your estate.
3. Please complete this form using BLOCK LETTERS in type or print and return it duly signed to The Secretary of your local Staff Pension Committee.
4. Receipt of your completed form will be acknowledged by the return of a copy to you, duly stamped, which you should preserve carefully.
5. You may alter your designation of a recipient at any time by filing a new form which will supersede the previous one.
NAME OF PARTICIPANT: ______PENSION NO.: ______(SURNAME/LAST NAME) (FIRST) (MIDDLE)
ORGANIZATION DUTY STATION ROOM NUMBER
I hereby designate the person shown hereunder as recipient of the residual settlement. I hereby cancel and revoke any previous designation.
PROPORTIONATE RECIPIENT'S NAME IN FULL ADDRESS SHARE
APPLICABLE ONLY TO NEW ENTRANTS OR RE-ENTRANTS:
I have read the Note to Participants and taken note of the possibility of validation and restoration of prior non- contributory and contributory service, if any. I hereby acknowledge receipt of the Regulations and Rules of the Fund, Notice of Election to Validate and Notice of Election to Restore.
______(Date) (Signature of Participant) RETURN ADDRESS
PENS.A/2 - REV.4 (06-97) - E
INFORMATION NOTE ON DECLARATION OF COUNTRY OF RESIDENCE*
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE SUBMITTING THE OPTIONAL FORM PENS.E/10
1. The completion of form PENS.E/10 (02-97) and its submission together with proof of your country of residence is OPTIONAL; you do not have to submit either the form or proof of residence in order to receive your pension benefit.
2. Please note that the currency in which your pension is paid is not dependent on whether or not you provide proof of residence; your pension entitlement may be paid in the currency of your choice, with the conversion rate established in accordance with the provisions of the Pension Adjustment System (JSPB/G.12).
3. If you do not submit form PENS.E/10, your pension will be established in U.S. dollars in accordance with the Regulations of the Fund; subsequently, it will be adjusted annually based on the movement of the United States consumer price index (US CPI).
4. Should you decide to submit form PENS.E/10 with proof of your country of residence, a pension record in the local currency would be established for you, in addition to the dollar pension record. Please note that form PENS.E/10 declaring your country of residence after separation cannot be dated and submitted before the start of the UNJSPF entitlement to a benefit and should be submitted together with acceptable proof of residence in the form of a certificate issued by a national or local government authority. An affidavit or statement from a non-governmental source will not be accepted as proof of residence in a particular country. As the proof of residence, in effect, extends your pension coverage, it should relate to a country in which you reside most of the time during the year, i.e., six months or more of any given year. Some indications of the types of acceptable certificates for various countries are attached.
5. The amount of the initial local currency pension record will subsequently be adjusted annually on the basis of the movement of the consumer price index of your country of residence, as published in the United Nations Monthly Bulletin of Statistics. As indicated in paragraph 3 above, the amount of the U.S. dollar pension record will be adjusted by the movement of the US CPI.
6. Under the two-track pension adjustment system, the pension amount you receive would not be less than the amount under your local currency track record. Thus, the purchasing power of your pension in relation to the cost-of-living in your country of residence would always be secured.
7. If the amount in the U.S. dollar track record, converted into its local currency equivalent for each quarter of the year in accordance with the provisions of the pension adjustment system, is higher than the amount in the local currency track record, you will be entitled to payment under the U.S. dollar track record subject, however, to a maximum payment of 110 per cent of the amount under the local currency track record. (Note: If separation from service took place prior to 1 July 1995, the local currency track record may be 120 per cent, as opposed to 110 per cent.)
______* The present note is for information only; it merely explains, but in no way replaces, the provisions of the Fund's Regulations or of its Pension Adjustment System (JSPB/G.12). A complete understanding of your entitlements, benefits and options can be obtained only by studying the provisions themselves. It is also important that you read very carefully form PENS.E/10.
/...
PENS.E/10N(02-97) - 2 -
8. Depending on the applicable exchange rates and on inflation both in the U.S.A. and in the country of residence, the differences between the amounts in the local currency track record and in the dollar track record (the latter being the same at all locations) may vary considerably over time. It is, therefore, important that you read carefully the provisions of the pension adjustment system before deciding whether or not to submit form PENS.E/10.
9. To assist you in making your decision, you may write to the secretary of your local staff pension committee and request an estimate, based on the information available at the time of the request, of what your two-track pension amounts would be, if you were to submit proof of residence in a particular country. In making your decision you should take into account both short-term and long-term considerations. As indicated in paragraph 6 above, establishment of a local track record ensures protection of the future purchasing power of your pension in local currency terms against inflation and exchange rate fluctuations.
10. When your completed form PENS.E/10 is received by the Fund and the proof of residence is accepted, steps will be initiated to establish your local currency pension record. In the meantime, we will continue to pay your pension entitlement on the basis of the dollar track only. If your proof of residence is submitted within six months of the commencement of your entitlement, the local currency pension record will be applied from the date of your entitlement, along with any consequential retroactive payments which may become due to you. If the proof of residence is not provided within six months from the date of your entitlement, the local currency base amount will still be calculated as from that date, but applied only as from the beginning of the quarter following its receipt, without any retroactive payments.
11. Should you decide not to submit proof of residence at this time and, therefore, to have a dollar track record only, you may still submit form PENS.E/10 and proof of your country of residence at a later date. You should, however, note that:
a. Once you have submitted proof of your country of residence you remain permanently on the two- track system.
b. You will not be able to renounce the local currency track and revert to the dollar track only. (If you re-locate to the U.S.A., then your local currency track will be the same as your dollar track as long as you continue to reside in the U.S.A.).
c. If you move to another country, you will have to submit a new proof of residence, in order to have your pension adjusted according to the consumer price index of the new country of residence. Please note that if you fail to provide such proof, your pension would, in that case, not be adjusted at all until you have provided satisfactory proof of your residence in the new country.
12. The provisions of the UNJSPF Pension Adjustment System are contained in the enclosed document JSPB/G.12. The importance of your reading that document carefully cannot be over-emphasized. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to address them to the Fund's central secretariat in New York or Geneva or to the secretary of your local staff pension committee.
* * * * * * * ACCEPTABLE PROOFS OF RESIDENCE FOR SELECTED COUNTRIES
Proof of residence is acceptable if it is issued by national or local governmental authorities. It must indicate the full name and address of the beneficiary. Documentary evidence will be accepted only if the "issue date" shown thereon is after the date of separation, except that beneficiaries retiring in the country of their nationality which was also their last duty station may submit PENS.E/10 and certificates with an "issue date" that precedes the date of separation but by not more than one month. For beneficiaries whose benefits are already in payment, the "issue date" should not be more than six months before the date of submission.
Most governments provide residents (whether nationals or non-nationals) with a Certificate of Residence or Domicile. Certificates of Residence are issued in different countries by the Ministry of Interior, the Police, the Municipality, Population or Vital Statistics Registration Office, or Immigration authorities. Alternatively, certified resident Income Tax returns may be submitted. Examples of acceptable proofs of residence are:
Austria:
· Meldezettel Hauptmieter or Meldezettel-Abschnitt issued by the Police, duly authenticated by the Legal Office (or the Secretary of the Pension Committee) of one of the Vienna-based United Nations organizations;
Canada:
· Certificate of Residence or Domicile issued by the Municipality; · Certificate of Permanent Residence issued by Immigration Canada; · Certified copy of latest resident Income Tax return;
France:
· Certificat de ou de Domicile issued by the Mairie; · Certificat et de issued by the de Police; · Carte de
Italy:
· Certificato di Residenza, issued by the Servizi Demografici, L'Ufficiale di Anagrafe; · Dichiarazione di Soggiorno per Stranieri issued by the Ministry of Interior, General Department of Police, Foreigners' Division;
United Kingdom:
· Certificate of Residence issued by the District Council, the local Police or the Inland Revenue;
Switzerland:
· Copy of Autorisation d'Establissement; · Certificate of Residence issued by the Bureau du des Habitants of the Canton.
United States:
· Copy of national passport stamped by United States Immigration Authorities upon arrival, and/or alien registration card (green card). /... Other examples:
Australia: Certificate of Residence issued by the local Council or by the Department of Immigration;
Belgium: Extract from the Registry of Population;
Burkina Faso: Certificat de issued by the local Police;
Chile: Certificate of Domicile issued by the Carabineros de Chile;
Columbia: Certificado de Residencia issued by the Alcalde;
C te d'Ivoire: Certificat de issued by the local Police;
Denmark: Bopaelsattest issued by the Folkeregistret;
Ethiopia: Certificate of Domicile issued by the Dwellers Association;
Germany: Certificate of Residence issued by the Citizen Registry Office;
Iraq: Certificate of Residence issued by the Chieftain of the Quarter;
Ireland: Certificate of Residence issued by the Garda;
Japan: Jumin-hyo issued by the Municipality or Household Registry;
Libyan Arab Jamahiriya: Certificate from the Municipality;
Mali: Certificat de issued by the local Police;
New Zeland: Certificate of Residence issued by the local Council or by the Department of Immigration;
Norway: Certificate of Residence issued by Folkeregister;
Netherlands: Extract from the Register of Population;
Peru: Certificate issued by the Guardia Civil;
Senegal: Certificat de issued by the local Police;
Spain: Certificado de Residencia issued by the Ayuntamiento or the de Residencia issued by the Police;
Sweden: Extract from the Parish Register;
Syrian Arab Republic: Certificate of Residence issued by the Mayor, or corresponding authority of the City;
Thailand: Copy of House Domicile Registration;
Togo: Certificat de issued by the local Police.
Note: The above list is not exhaustive. Other documents may be acceptable to the Fund if a beneficiary is unable to secure a document listed above or a similar one. However, acceptability of the proof submitted must be determined on an individual basis. Confidential UNITED NATIONS JOINT STAFF PENSION FUND PENSION NUMBER For Pension Fund PENSION ADJUSTMENT SYSTEM purposes only. COUNTRY OF RESIDENCE AS UNJSPF BENEFICIARY
1. THE SUBMISSION OF THIS FORM IS OPTIONAL. Please refer to UNJSPF Pension Adjustment System booklet (JSPB/G.12) and the Information Note on Declaration of Country of Residence (PENS.E/10N), which should be studied carefully. If you decide to complete form PENS.E/10, please return it together with the required certificate of residence.
2. A declaration of your country of residence is not effective without a certificate of residence issued by a national or local government authority. The certificate of residence must be issued after the date of separation from service. Its acceptance will enable you to avail yourself of the provisions of the two-track Pension Adjustment System under which your entitlement each quarter will be the greater of the local track or the local currency equivalent of the US dollar track for the given quarter, subject to a maximum of the local track plus the applicable margin, currently 10%.
3. If you submit form PENS.E/10, it cannot be dated or submitted more than two weeks before the commencement date of the UNJSPF entitlement. All future communications concerning your entitlement will be sent to the address given on that form, unless a reasonable explanation is provided for doing otherwise. Should you change your address, whether or not this involves moving to a different country, it is essential that you inform us immediately.
4. If you do not submit form PENS.E/10, your benefit will be established in US dollars and will then be adjusted in accordance with the United States Consumer Price Index (US CPI). You may however, at any time in the future, declare your country of residence and submit form PENS.E/10.
DECLARATION OF COUNTRY OF RESIDENCE AS UNJSPF BENEFICIARY
PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT
Having taken note of paragraphs 1, 2, 3 and 4 above, I,
FAMILY NAME FIRST NAME MIDDLE NAME
declare my residence as a UNJSPF beneficiary to be:
COUNTRY at the following address:
NUMBER AND STREET CITY
STATE OR PROVINCE AREA OR POSTAL CODE TELEPHONE (CODE & #)
A certificate of residence issued by a national or local government authority is attached
I understand that, having submitted proof of my country of residence and thereby having become entitled to the two-track Pension Adjustment System, I will remain permanently under that system and I will not be able to withdraw from that system. I undertake, in the future, to notify the Fund of any change in my country of residence as soon as it occurs. I understand that failure to do so, or providing a false statement, may lead to the loss of my entitlements under the pension adjustment system.
Date: ______Signature: ______(please see paragraph 3 above)
PENS.E/10 (02-97) - E.
UNITED NATIONS JOINT STAFF PENSION FUND INSTRUCTIONS FOR PAYMENT OF BENEFIT (DISABILITY and DEATH BENEFITS)
1. This form is to be used for submission of payment instructions only in the following cases:
- Disability benefit under Article 33 of the Regulations.
- Widow’s benefit under Article 34 of the Regulations.
- Widower’s benefit under Article 35 of the Regulations.
- Divorced surviving spouse’s benefit under Article 35 bis of the Regulations
- Child’s benefit under Article 36 of the Regulations, where no benefit is payable to the participant, widow or widower.
- Secondary dependant’s benefit under Article 37 of the Regulations.
- Residual settlement under Article 38 of the Regulations.
2. For other types of benefit, please obtain a different form from the Secretary of your Staff Pension Committee.
3. Complete the form and send it to the Secretary of your Staff Pension Committee.
4. Note that:
(a) All sections of the form overleaf should be completed and the form should be signed. (b) The appropriate type of benefit should be checked in the box provided.
5. If you need assistance in filling out this form, you should consult the Secretary of your Staff Pension Committee.
1 PENS.E/2 (4-01)-E UNITED NATIONS JOINT STAFF PENSION FUND
Pension Number
INSTRUCTIONS FOR PAYMENT OF BENEFITS (DISABILITY and DEATH BENEFITS)
PLEASE READ INSTRUCTIONS OVERLEAF BEFORE COMPLETING PLEASE PRINT or TYPE – DO NOT USE ABBREVIATIONS
I, ,hereby submit (Surname) (First) (Middle) payment instructions for the benefit(s) due under the Article(s) indicated below.
1. Type of Benefit:
(a) Disability Benefit (Article 33) (b) Widow’s Benefit (Article 34) (c) Widower’s Benefit (Article 35) (d) Divorced surviving spouse (Article 35 bis) (e) Child’s Benefit (Article 36) (f) Secondary Dependant’s Benefit (Article 37) (g) Residual Settlement (Article 38) It should be noted that payment must be made in your name, or to your account or to a joint account in your name. Payment cannot be made to a third party.
2. Mailing Address (to be completed in all cases):
(Number and Street) (City)
(State or Province) (Postal Code) (Country)
3. Make payment to my account as follows: NAME OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTION BANK ACCOUNT NUMBER
(NAME OF BRANCH, IF APPLICABLE)
Indicate your SWIFT, ABA, Routing, BLZ, ABI, CAB or sorting (ADDRESS) code, etc. as required by your bank for direct deposit.
(CITY, STATE, POSTAL CODE, COUNTRY)
4. Currency of Payment:
U.S. Dollars or Other Currency (Please Specify)
NOTE: Benefits may be payable in any currency selected by the recipient.
Date: Signature:
2 PENS.E/2 (4-01)-E United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund
R/ Change of Mailing Address Only
Please print or type
, (Family Name) (First) (Middle)
New Mailing Address:
(Number and Street) (City)
(State or Province) (Postal Code) (Country)
Date: Signature:
PF23M-E (07/02)