General Information

Internal Procedure

The internal procedure runs in three phases. In the Preliminary Stage, you should discuss your problem with IBM Pension Services. However, if your problem concerns Company policy, you are advised to contact Human Resources.

If, after discussion with Pension Services or HR, you are still dissatisfied, you should complete a Stage 1 Dispute Form – this formally recognises your dispute to the Pensions Trust Manager. You (and/or your representative) will receive a letter from the Pensions Trust Manager detailing his decision about your dispute within two calendar months of receiving your letter and references to any legislation or Plan rule that has been relied upon will be included. The letter will also provide you with details of your rights under Stage 2.

If for any reason your problem can't be decided within two months, the Pensions Trust Manager will write to you (and/or any representative) explaining the reason(s) for the delay and include a date when you can expect a decision.

If you are dissatisfied with the Pensions Trust Manager’s decision, or the Trustee’s action following it, you may write to the Trustee within six months of receiving the decision to ask for it to be reconsidered.

You should complete the Stage 2 Dispute Form and forward it to the Trustee via Pension Services at the address at the end of the form.

Within two calendar months of receiving your letter, the Trustee will write to you (and/or any representative) advising you of its decision. The Trustee will also advise to what extent their decision confirms, or replaces, the decision of the Pensions Trust Manager. The Trustee’s decision will also include references to any legislation or Plan rule that has been relied upon, as well as providing you with details of your rights to resort to external resolution.

If for any reason, the Trustee can't reach a conclusion within two months, the Trustee will write to you (and/or any representative) explaining the reason(s) for the delay and include a date when you can expect a decision.