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What is an ill health pension?
Ill-health retirement is when you can access your pension early because of poor health. You’ll sometimes see this referred to as medical retirement or retirement on medical grounds.
What happens if you retire through ill health?
Ill health benefits can be paid to you at any age. Your benefits will not be reduced because they are being paid early. In some cases, your pension will be increased to make up for your early retirement. The level of benefits depends on how likely you are to be capable of gainful employment after you leave.
Can I be forced to retire due to ill health?
Your employer is not allowed to suggest ill health retirement as a way to get you to leave the company. This could be disability discrimination because ill health retirement is your choice. Your employer should make reasonable adjustments to allow you to work if you feel able to.
Do you pay notice on an ill health retirement?
Section 88(1)(b) of the Employment Rights Act 1996 provides that the employee should be paid full pay for the statutory minimum notice period in cases where they are incapable of work because of being absent on ill health grounds.
How long does it take for ill health retirement?
An initial decision can be made in 4 weeks, but may take longer. If you are happy with the decision, you must complete an AW8 form to claim your pension benefits. Once the pensions agency has received the AW8 form it will usually take approximately 8-12 weeks before you will receive your pension.
What are ill health retirement benefits in the NHS?
The NHS Pension Scheme provides two levels of ill health retirement benefits, which are dependent on the severity of your condition and the likelihood of you being able to work again. To qualify for ill health retirement benefits you must retire from pensionable employment because of illness or injury and either:
Can I get a pension if I am ill-health?
If you are currently paying into the NHS Pension Scheme, have at least two years membership and become permanently incapable of work because of ill-health, you may be able to receive a pension if you are: You may be eligible to receive Tier 2 ill health retirement benefits.
What is a Tier 1 pension for ill health?
A. The NHS Pension Scheme provides two levels of ill health retirement benefits, dependent on the severity of your condition and the likelihood of you being able to work again. To qualify for a Tier 1 pension you must be permanently incapable of efficiently carrying out the duties of your NHS employment because of illness or injury.
Do I need to apply for ill health retirement?
As your pension will not be enhanced you do not need to apply for ill health retirement in the usual way but we will need confirmation from your doctor or consultant that your life expectancy is less than 12 months. If you want to do this you should contact NHS Pensions or your employer (normally the Pensions Officer).