UK state pension - in a "frozen" country

[caziques]

For illogical reasons, the UK state pension (based on NI contributions), is frozen in a number of countries, so that the increases from the triple lock do not apply.
The principle frozen countries are Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Canada. Places such as USA, Israel and the EU - the pension increases are paid as per the UK.

I assumed that the frozen rate would be the rate applicable when it was claimed/first paid. A lady on the phone has just told me that it is frozen at the rate when it first became available.

I was 66 last February (live in NZ) - with 13 years contributions. I finally managed to pay 16 further years of contributions last November, and put a claim in (for 29/35ths of the full amount)
I assumed the 29/35ths would be based on the rate for 2023/4, ie 203.85. The lady on the phone said it would in fact be based on the previous year 2022/3, 185.15, as that is when I turned 66.

Does anyone actually know which is the correct figure?

Having it frozen is bad enough, having it frozen even if you delay taking it for a few years seems a real kick in the goolies.

Perhaps even more bizarrely, if I travel to an unfrozen country (and inform the UK pension people in advance), the amount is uprated to the current rate for the duration of the visit. (It then reverts back when I leave).

None of this makes any sense, but as there are no votes in sorting it out, the problem persists.

[ferret50]

Obviously you will be travelling to the EU for 6 months of each year!

[trunnie]

Funny you should mention votes, the UK Government has now removed the previous 15 year limit on eligibility to vote, therefore you can at least register a vote if you can find someone to listen to you if you are a long term expat.