Disability

[Gettingbysomehow]

I've got to go back to work in the NHS next month before my sickness runs out. I have a clinical role sitting down so not nursing. I'm playing my disability down because I live alone and need the money.
In fact I can barely walk and use a rollator. I'm waiting for a spinal op, a hip replacement and a double knee replacement.
Really I need to be medically retired, I have 5 years to retirement.
I don't know anything about medical retirement. Does this mean I can get a state pension? I haven't even paid my mortgage off yet.

Are you in the union? Can you chat about a settlement package that effectively pays you off?

Do you receive PIP?

You need an occupational health assessment with a view to ill health retirement (I'm assuming you're in the NHS pension). If you qualify there are 2 levels - one.lets you take the pension as it is now; the other gives you an increased pension to take account of working years lost.

I don't think there's any way to take the state pension early, but there are disability benefits for those who are below pension age and unable to work.

https://cms.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/member-hub/applying-ill-health-pension-benefits

You cannot get state pension before you turn state pension age but you could possibly be medically retired and be able to access your NHS pension early. Be aware thought that an NHS pension will affect any benefits you may need to claim if you have to leave work unless it is PIP which is non means tested.

If you don't qaulify for ill health retirement, you can still take your NHS pension now - but it will be slightly reduced for taking it early.

Thanks very much for all the advice I'll look into all the options. I do get PIP yes.

Early retirement reduction factors for the NHS pension, without ill health retirement.

https://faq.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/knowledgebase/article/KA-04591/en-us

Which pension sections are you in? If you have any part of your pension in the 1995 section and are over 60 you should claim it now - regardless of health - or you're losing money.