Medical retirement

[Crispynoodle]

I'm 57 and a college lecturer. I have rheumatoid arthritis and various other conditions. I love my job and want to continue working for as long as I can but my sick record is hideous. My colleagues mention medical retirement to me but I don't really understand it. If I take it will I be eligible to apply for benefits. If so what? I already get full PIP and use the mobility payment for a car. My work pension only has 11 years FT on it plus 8 years PT. I also have another public sector pension for 7 years. I fully expect to have to medically retire in the next couple of years may I ask for some advice on how to plan for it?

First thing would be to investigate the medical/ill-health retirement policies for both pensions.

Are you under the Teachers Pension scheme or is it different?

I've got ongoing health issues after breast cancer treatment in 2021. My absence is terrible too. I've had 20 days off since September.

I know I'm probably going to have to retire through ill health. I'm 55.

I've looked into the figures and I'd currently get what I'd be getting at 60 if I retired through ill health now. It's about £5k more than if I took early retirement.

Ask for an estimate of what you will receive from your pension plans and check the criteria for medical retirement from your employers.
I was in the nhs and local govt pension schemes and got added years as had to take early ill health retirement plus got extra as it was work related.
Once you know what amounts you will get and if you are likely to fit the retirement criteria you can decide if this meets your needs and then the other issue is if you feel your health needs would be better met by retiring.