Applying for ill health - what do I include on the form?

Hi, sorry to hear that you are experiencing health issues which are forcing you to look at The IHR process. It really is a horrible position to find yourself in but can often be the very last option open to an employee.

I was Retired from the civil service so not NHS but I had a look at the NHS IHR application form….are you describing the AW33E form and the box stating any other information you think is relevant in support of your application?

I can understand why this is a bit confusing as there are no notes on the form giving any kind of guidance, just an open box which to fill in.

I hope others who have gone through this chime in and offer advice to you, but having looked at this form there is really no part that directly asks YOU about your condition and how it affects you. Part A and C will touch on it but part B ( your part) is pretty basic if you ask me. Why they need to ask so many questions about your employment, roles and qualifications etc all seems a bit irrelevant if you have truly decided you can no longer carry out your job role/ job as it doesn’t matter how qualified you are.

With the civil service IHR application there were very direct questions put to me that I had to respond too, simple!

If it were me, I would use this space to describe in detail your condition and how it affects your ability to work in your role. Be thorough

My biggest piece of advice is to be aware that the pension provider is looking not only for permanency of your condition, but permanency of your symptoms and why this would directly stop you working. It is not enough to have an illness or condition on its own.

Sorry I can’t be more help

Please feel free though to ask questions and if I can offer advice then I will certainly try too.

Scott

Hi again,

It is completely natural to be feeling the way you are, I would be surprised if anyone going through the IHR process didn’t feel the same. Unfortunately finances are usually top of the worry list for people applying for IHR and is completely understandable as we are all reliant on financial security and freedom. It doesn’t help that there is usually no guarantee of success.

If you are successful in getting an award it is really important to take stock of things and look at how best to maximise your money. Would you be in position to pay of a mortgage, a car loan, debt etc because all of these things takes money away from you to enjoy any retirement. Getting financial advice can help maybe figure things out.

I think it is great that you are seeking counselling and I truly hope it helps and brings things into a little better perspective.

I hung in there at work for way to long and as a result was exacerbating my illness to the point I just had no physical or mental energy left to function properly…..maybe a little different for me as my illness is classed as life limiting with a best before date sometime in the nearish future (lol) but knowing this I still wanted to have a purpose and continue to work. Up until the point in 2024 when I retired under IHR I had served 12 years in the military and nearly 26 years in the civil service so really didn’t fancy the idea of not being employed and especially from a uniformed service which I loved. It really took a lengthy chat (with tears on my side) with a lady at HR to realise what I needed to do and so IHR was started, but I can say hand on heart it was the right decision for me and the employer.

I am not sure how old you are but I was 54 when I received my IHR award in 2024 (the top higher tier).

I still have regrets about having to leave work and I miss the comradeship of like minded individuals.

I think with any retirement it is about finding a balance that works for you, your health problems and time.

There are limits to working again and these would be set out in your pension policy with regards ill health but you may be able to find a small job somewhere which is less demanding of you or do voluntary work etc. I take part in medical study groups looking at my particular illness, along with walking the dog, trying to keep fit(ish) and general life chores.

I understand how upsetting this is for you, that is clear by what you have written. All I can say is that if you are in a position where IHR is the very very last option open to you then you shouldn’t be too hard on yourself as you will have done everything possible to avoid retirement and that is to your credit.

It might be useful to try and find a local support group for the condition or illness you suffer from as these can be a great source of support, help and advice.

As for the form….i have suggested chat GTP to several people who are filling in forms and maybe finding it a bit difficult to collate all the thoughts and info they might want to convey…..it is very likely you already know what you want to say but chat GTP can help formulate things in a way that makes sense…..you can ask very specific questions as many times as you like and the more info you provide will generate a response…..you could ask, how would suffering from ??? directly affect my ability to perform my role as a ??? Or ask it to describe in depth how having the condition ??? Makes working impossible due to the symptoms associated with your illness or condition. Or, is my condition of ??? Classed as a permanent condition and if so how might it affect my ability to work in the future.

You can then take bits and pieces from the answers that best matches what you already want to say.

Just a thought but might be worth looking at.

Thoughts are with you during what is obviously a distressing time for you.

Please feel free to reach out if you have questions etc

Take it easy

Scott

Hi Kitty,

I was in exactly the same boat as you! If your Occupational Health Service are supporting your course of action that is the first major step!

1. AW33E Needs to be backed up with good Medical evidence. It appears that some NHS ill-health retirees have had significant support from their GP. Having a statement based upon your health and it's impact. However, my G.P. did not oblige as he stated that he was not a "Occupational Health trained Doctor". If you are under 'specialist' care get them to write something for you. Again, the Pension Health Assessor will want to know.

a) Permeances of Health conditions, Whether the conditions are deteriorating, How much disability you are caused.

b) If you can make a solid case for all three then Tier 2 is likely. If not then Tier1 is likely.

2. If you are not awarded be sure to appeal! (I was awarded Tier 1 with detailed Health issues of PTSD, Vertebral issues cervical, lumbar. Depression and Anxiety). I had to wait so long for appointments that I couldn't get the evidence I needed. However, you have three years from date of pension H/C Assessor's decision.
3. Make sure ALL your health issues are considered! Otherwise, you can only appeal on the identified Health issues at making your request. e.g. Back issues, Pelvic issues and while off you have Mental Health difficulties. The Mental Health difficulties will not be considered.

4) Fit notes must state all your Health issues that are causing you to not be able to work.
i.e. My back issue is a congenital problem. I went off with Mental Health issues. Fortunately, my G.P. had put my back problem on the fit note. However, I was diagnosed with remitting MS. So, I cannot add the MS to my ill-Health retirement claim/appeal.

Sorry this is so long! I hope this has been helpful. I really want to say "Don't give up".
If you no longer receive sick pay- ESA is the way to go. Depending on your circumstances maybe Universal Credit? Your employer/payroll should notify (in writing) to clarify when your sick pay was ended. This is what you need for ESA.

Let us know how you get on! The whole process from AW33E to receiving Pension decision took nearly 2 years for me. (post covid). What I would say is. I had a very un-supportive Occupational Health Doctor who wanted to prove her point to the HR department.

Not sure which Union you are in? Some Unions (UNISON) have 'Welfare funds'. The RCN, has really good advice on their website. Not sure about other Unions as these were the active Unions in my Trust.

@hellokatty I don't have knowledge sorry of IHR but was in the NHS (just 2 yrs so no pension) but just wanted to say the RCN have a charity called Lamplight which may help with (non repayable) grants due to ill health. Also, the Edith Cavelle Trust do the same, both helped me when I was dismissed due to (long term) ill health. My very best wishes to you, especially in regard to your IHR and of course, your health.