Ill health retirement

julieann69

Has anyone retired because of Ill health ? I’m struggling massively. I was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a bilateral mastectomy followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. I have fibromyalgia post chemo and high blood pressure and I suffer with depression and anxiety also I have vitiligo which affects my self esteem.  My list could go on .. 

Does anyone know how hard it is and what the criteria is to hit tier 1 in the LGPS ? 

Thank you 

Julie

steve51

Hi @julieann69

Welcome it’s great to meet you this afternoon.

I do hope that you are having a great day????

Yes I had to take “early retirement” due to ill health.

Please please let me know if I can help/support you further??????

julieann69

Hi Steve
nice to meet you too. I work in a school so I have a pension with the Local government pension scheme. Did you get you pension enhanced as if you’d stayed in it till you was 67 ? That would be the top tier 1? 

steve51

Hi @julieann69

Many thanks ? 

I use to work in the NHS “for my sins”

They also went through a similar exercise a few years ago.

Luckly I stayed on the original scheme thank goodness ???

I was able to take a lump sum so I payed off the outstanding mortgage (best thing I have ever done)

julieann69

Hi Steve do you think I have enough wrong with me ?? to qualify for this ? 

steve51

Hi @julieann69

You have certainly got plenty wrong by the looks of things.

Are you part of a union??

Do you have a HR department??

Have you got got any medical advice??

So Sorry for more questions!!!!!

julieann69

Yes I’m with the GMB union and yes we do have HR department and they are now involving occupational health. 

I have all medical letters and a and a letter from my doctor confirming all my problems . ?

steve51

Hi @julieann69

That’s perfect ? 

It looks like you have got everything to hand ??

Please ask me if you get stuck???

I have still got all the paperwork !!!!!!! 

julieann69

Thanks Steve. I’will just have to convince them that I will not be able to work in gainful employment again so they enhance my pension ?

steve51

Hi @julieann69

Have you got plenty of info from your medical team that will back up your case???

This will help greatfully belive me.

The problem with most illnesses is that they are “Hidden”

julieann69

I have a letter from my GP but he has already said he will do me a letter in greater detail for OH . I have a letter from my back surgeon and I’m seeing my breast cancer surgeon early December so I’m gonna get her to write me a letter too . I have kept all my paperwork though from breast cancer and back. Also have a letter from dermatology because they were concerned how vitiligo was effecting my mental health. 
To be honest Steve having a bilateral mastectomy and looking patchy like a cow from vitiligo  is not my best look ?? and now with fibromyalgia I feel like an old women.  Must stop moaning cause I’m alive ??? And very thankful for that . 

julieann69

 I smile and laugh to cover up how I feel inside it’s my coping mechanism ?

steve51

Hi @julieann69

Yes the more the better as this will cement your case.

As you never know.

I did the same even setting the the dates & times off every meeting.