LGPS Ill health Retirement

[Whatevershallidowithmylife]

Hi. I am hoping to retire on ill health grounds. Chronic conditions, cancer etc. Currently in receipt of half pay via employer insurance. Do I just keep submitting sick notes until request is agreed or refused? In the event request was refused Do I just keep submitting sick lines or attempt to go back to work in a reduced job/capacity/less days. I am 52.Any other suggestions or information gratefully received.

Definitely keep sending in fit notes.

I am going to be straight with you.
If ill health retirement is declined then I would expect HR to have options they will discuss with you which may include phased return, reasonable adjustments etc.

However, one of the options may be dismissal on the grounds of inefficiency/capability because you are no longer able to work. Do not resign, dismissal is better in terms of benefits where you continue to get fit notes as you are not well enough to work.

I suggest you talk to your HR and ask them what options there are. Much better to research now rather than having to make a quick decision.

Fingers crossed you get the I’ll health retirement.

@Sisterpita thank you. If it ended up dismissal would I then be able to claim my pension? We don't have a HR department - the LGP pension is my main pension - current pension is dire.

@Whatevershallidowithmylife sadly at 52 I think you have to wait until at least 55, unless you get Ill health retirement.

In your position I would try to extend your sick absence as much as possible and then do a really slow phased return. Start off with 2 hours a day M W F, then slowly build up an hour a day every 2 weeks. Ask your GP to support you. If necessary claim benefits.

Thank you, I appreciate your input, I would rather be well and working but conscious of the position I am in but also the continued effect on my colleagues with my absence.

@Whatevershallidowithmylife you must do what is best for you both health wise and financially. It’s to your credit you are thinking about your colleagues but ultimately you are the only one who can look after you.

@Whatevershallidowithmylife how are thing you getting on things? Did you get your ill health retirement?

Hi @Enigma52 just had my OH assessment who is in agreement I can no longer return to work at all. They are just waiting on back up evidence from Oncologist who says this is the right thing for me. Will update when it's all settled.

Thanks for replying.
I am in a similar situation, aged 52 and diagnosed with secondary BC. I'm on daily chemo type tablets, which right now, are making me feel horrid.

I've 2 months left of sick pay and then half pay.

I do not know how this treatment is going to go or if it will even work. Everything is so uncertain.

How do you feel now?