Unacceptable National Housing Trust refunds delay

The Editor, Sir:

THE MATTER of statutory deductions and their remittances on behalf of employees has long been a snag in the lives of retired people, and I would be grateful if you could try to get some answers from the National Housing Trust (NHT) and other agencies responsible for the processing of benefits for me and other retirees who have found themselves in a similar position.

I have never borrowed from the NHT nor asked them to transact any business on my behalf. I have personally ascertained that all deductions made on my behalf were paid over by my employers by having requested and obtained copies for myself, as well as the trust.

Two months after I stopped working, I made an application at the Mandeville office for a refund of all my outstanding contributions. Four months after the application, part payment came to me via one of their agencies. I went to that office and queried the reason for not getting all that was due. I was informed that there were accounts for some years which were not yet reconciled. These accounts have now been reconciled and the report submitted to the Kingston office from August 2010.

constant dialogue

My past employers advised me, and the Kingston and the Mandeville offices have confirmed that this has been done. I have been in constant dialogue with the office, have already reapplied, and am still waiting to get my money back or to derive the 'retirement benefits' of having contributed to this organisation and others which are supposed to serve similar purposes.

Does this not explain why some employers are reluctant in paying over deductions made on behalf of their employees?

The NHT president states that, and I quote, "The trust is not short of funds," and I have ensured that my deductions have been paid over to the trust. Why then can't I get my hard-earned money back after waiting 10 months? Should I now join the rank of beggars?

I am, etc.,

A CONCERNED RETIREE

Kingston