I'm needing to apply for ill-health retirement. What are my options?

Big_Al
Big_Al Online Community Member Posts: 7 Contributor
edited January 2022 in Work
I have VaCTErL Association. I have worked with the NHS for 34 years unfortunately my my Physical symptoms have become such that I am needing to apply for Ill-Health retirement.
Just wanting to know what my options are? i.e. Full ill-Health retirement, Part retire to reduce hours.
Unfortunately my wage is main source of income as my wife has Mental Health issues and can only work a few hours a week.

Comments

  • janer1967
    janer1967 Online Community Member Posts: 21,922 Championing
    Hi 

    You need to speak to your pension provider but it's not usual that you can take part retirement eg take your pension if doing so due to ill health 

    If you are granted ill health retirement it will be on the basis you are not deemed fit to return to work in any role within the company 

    Another option is taking early retirement usually can be from age 55 + again depends on your pension scheme rules you could then continue to work part time 

    I suggest you get some expert pension advice 
  • chiarieds
    chiarieds Online Community Member Posts: 17,009 Championing
    Hi @Big_Al - & welcome to the community. I'm sorry to read your physical problems have worsened; It must be difficult with your situation.
    You could look at reducing your hours if you think that would work, so that's a possible option. Scope has some info on this in their 'Reasonable Adjustments' section. Please see: https://www.scope.org.uk/advice-and-support/reasonable-adjustments-at-work/    Please scroll down to 'Changing working patterns & hours.'
    If you're looking at ill health retirement, as you've worked in the NHS, this may be helpful: https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/sites/default/files/2017-05/Ill health retirement tiers and FAQs (05.2017) V8.pdf

  • SueHeath
    SueHeath Online Community Member Posts: 12,388 Championing
    Hi @Big_Al Welcome i will be following your progress with great interest. I to have had a health diagnosis which has put me on long term sick, I have been in the council super ann pension for 30 years. I will be looking at retiring early with ill health.
  • Big_Al
    Big_Al Online Community Member Posts: 7 Contributor
    Hey Sue!
    I have managed eventually to get the form from NHS Pensions. Frankly getting through was harder than getting through to a GP (Not the Doctor's fault it's an over-loaded system).
    Have briefly mentioned to my GP about medical retirement, I am hoping he will do a report supporting it. 
    Though the bizarre thing is that HR+Manager are insistent on having a 'Formal sickness meeting'.
    Just hope they not going to be vindictive and choose to open a case of Capability on health grounds. (Watch this space!)
    Have you made progress Sue?
  • SueHeath
    SueHeath Online Community Member Posts: 12,388 Championing
    Hi Big_Ai glad to hear all that i am going to make sure i keep your comments.
    Nope haven't started yet was thinking of doing all towards the end of my sick leave. I am going to start with pip though, just getting all my letter's etc photo copied at the mo - good old Daughter in law.
    I know with past employee's, they have had the same sort of meeting with HR + managment they were offered oh help or view to reduced hours first but when the firm realised it may be better to let them go they were the ones that got the ball rolling with pension, as they have to agree to it.
    So i will be still following you, if anything happens my side i will let you know also.
    Thanks so much for keeping me up dated i very much appreciate it, take care and good luck x

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