Medical Retirement and Benefits

Pennsville63

Hi, this is my first time so please bear with me . . . .
I've been on sick leave since last October  with depression, anxiety & panic attacks, ocd and a range of all things tat go with it.
I am on Universal Credit and would like to know if I apply for Medical Retirement, will my benefits stop or carry on? 
I am 63 next month. 
The depression is ongoing and has been for over 40 years.
How do I proceed?

calcotti

Have you reported your health condition to UC supported by Fit Notes/ If so have you yet had a Work capability Assessment or are you still waiting?

Pennsville63

Hi, yes, have been doing the reporting since October, I have also been awarded LCWRA after my Work Capability Assessment last month.
I work as a security officer, so really need my wits about me, but its too stressful.

calcotti

Because you have LCWRA you have no work related requirements which means that giving up your job will have no impact on your UC. You will simply need to report the employment change on your journal.

If you receive any pension that will be deducted in full from your UC payments.

Pennsville63

Thank you, that's cleared things up regarding benefits.

calcotti

Have you looked in Personal Independence Payment?
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/

Pennsville63

Yes, thank you, I get the lower rate of daily living component.

poppy123456

You should never quit your job without first getting some expert advice from ACAS. Even though, as advised it won't affect your UC. https://www.acas.org.uk/

janer1967

Hi 

I may be wrong others will clarify but if you take your pension early you will only reduce your entitlement to benefit £1 for £1 for what pension you get so will be no better off 

Also if you get a lump sum over 16k you won't be entitled to uc at all 

calcotti

janer1967 said: Also if you get a lump sum over 16k you won't be entitled to uc at all 

Good point, I should have mentioned that.

janer1967 said:.. if you take your pension early you will only reduce your entitlement to benefit £1 for £1 for what pension you get so will be no better off

Correct.

Pennsville63

Thank you everyone. Just testing the waters at the moment. 
I'm  not sure I can do my job full time, 12 hour shifts, nights, to the best of my ability. To be truthful, it's a toxic environment and I might just want out. 
We' like see what happens after ring Acas.x

janer1967

I would advise speaking to hr and looking at your options start by getting oh referral they will recommend any adjustments or redeployment 

It isn't easy to be accepted for ill health retirement you will have to evidence you are no longer able to work in any capacity 

There is the option of medical dismissal which can sometimes come with severance payment 

You will also be entitled to 38 weeks ssp and should remain employed while tj8d is paid 

There are lots option and would consider them b4 taking a pension early.

poppy123456

janer1967 said:

You will also be entitled to 38 weeks ssp 

I’m sure it’s a typo but SSP is paid for 28 weeks not 38.

Pennsville63

Just coming to the end of ssp, couple of weeks left.
Maybe medical dismissal might be better. 
Will that affect my benefits though?

janer1967

Sorry yes typo @poppy123456

@Pennsville63 medical dismissal is unlikely to affect your benefits unless there is a severance payment . If there is it could affect your uc for the assessment period it is paid , also if over 6k could reduce monthly payments and if over 16k you wont be entitled to any means tested benefits 

Without knowing all you circumstances its hard to comment eg the company policy and what your pension pot would be and criteria for retirement 

Would your pension pay a lot more than you get on uc in which case it could be worth taking the pension and not getting uc . No payments will affect your PIP as this isn't means tested 

It may be worth getting some expert advice with all your specific info from welfare rights or cab to do a full benefits check 

Pennsville63

OK. Thank you all. 
I'll have a chat with Acas & Cab, find out where I stand.
Apart from depression I also have arthritis, hip, hands and knees so it would and has been difficult to do my job the last few years as its a standing position.
My memory ain't what it used to be either.
I know work have to make adjustments, but I know they'll be a ' business ' reason why I can't  do part time, or do any reduced hours.
The pension pot is not much.
My depression is trauma related and I've  had a lot of time off because of it, dad died, best friend died, son had cancer, ( 3 yrs in remission). 
When I'm  not working I'm  a different person.
All the advice being given is top notch, I wish I'd  have joined this a few months ago.

janer1967

If the pension won't pay anymore than uc then I wouldn't take it early as there will be no financial gain 

Get referral to oh for work place assessment It has more weight when requesting reasonable adjustments 

Also if going down medical dismissal route they will likely to be involved anyway

Personally in my opinion  from what you have said I would opt for medical dismissal if there is no chance of adjustments or redeployment into another role .

That though is my opinion and based on my 30 + years experience in hr management but you should seek advice first are you in a union ? Would also help if you had read of your company policy on medical dismissal 

Acas can only advice in legal and best practice they won't know your company policy 

Acas have a very helpful website 

Tori_Scope

Hi @Pennsville63 Welcome to the community! 

I can see that you've already received some great advice from our members on your employment situation. I hope it's helped to clear things up for you a bit, and helped you to find a way forward. How have you been getting on for the past couple of days? 

I'm sorry to hear that you've been experiencing depression, anxiety, and panic attacks. Are you receiving enough support for those at the moment? Is your GP aware of the current challenges you're facing in terms of your mental health? I'd definitely encourage you to speak to them if you haven't already.

You may find the following resources helpful:

• About depression (Mind)
• Self-care for anxiety (Mind)
• Panic attacks (Mind)

Have you ever tried using a grounding technique to help you during a panic attack before? 

I'm also sorry to hear about the loss of your dad and best friend, as well as your son's previous cancer diagnosis. I'm glad to hear that your son is in remission, though Have you ever spoken to anyone about your grief? You can chat to Cruse if you need some advice and support. 

Tori_Scope

Hi @Pennsville63 How are you getting on? Have you had a chance to take a look at the above advice?