Advice on wording an an early ill health retirement application

[ShyandRetired]

I have been signed off sick with acute stress for the last 12 months following a very traumatic change of life circumstances (sudden illness of DH, resulting in his permanent brain damage).

I initially intended to return to work when things had settled down into whatever my “new normal” looked like, but owing to continued mental and physical health issues (mainly pre-existing, but considerably worsened by what has happened), I’ve realised that I no longer have the capacity to work, and have started the process for ill health retirement.

i’m in my early 50s, a few years below the age which I can claim my work pensions “normally”. I have a pension with my current employer, and a legacy one from my previous employment, both public sector, so I have to apply for both separately.

My current employer is being supportive in me taking this route; I have been assured that there is no risk of me being dismissed on grounds of capability while the ill health retirement process runs its course. My GP is also aware, and supportive. I am currently under hospital investigation regarding some of my exacerbated physical health issues, but there won’t yet be a lot of supporting medical evidence available from that source as it’s fairly early days down that route and I’m sat on waiting lists etc.

Whaf I’m looking for is support on the wording I put in my ill health retirement applications. I started the form for my legacy pension yesterday, and when I came to filling in the big blank space on my reasons for retirement, I got in a bit of a panic. I’ve obviously made a good start - I’ve got plenty to say - but I’m aware that this could have a major impact on the process running smoothly and in my favour!

So basically, any advice from those who have gone through the process (from either side) is welcome - do I have to really think about what I put, or is a simply summary ok at this stage, because it will be followed up with more detailed occupational health assessments etc later on?

Thankyou ever so, wise and experienced Mumsnetters!

Chat gpt

Your union rep should be able to help you with this.

Good luck.

I’m so sorry that you are going through this. I know how emotional it is.
I experienced similar with our daughter who was diagnosed with a brain tumour and only survived 10 months from diagnosis.
I went off sick on the day she was diagnosed. My GP and employer were very supportive.
As I was a bit older than you I was able to take early retirement. I can clearly remember crying on the phone to the pension provider! There was no way I could have continued with my job.
Can your union not help with wording? Or management or close friend or family. It will be so emotional seeing it written down.
It’s good that your GP is supporting.

My advice is to take each of the criteria for ill health retirement and set out how you meet them.

I didn’t realise you could take early retirement for stress. I was told I couldn’t take it for ME. I would be v careful in filling in the form. I think you will only get it if you can prove you are ‘permanently incapable’ (wording the pension people use). I would take professional advice as if they say no, it might take some time to appeal.

I would start the first draft with facts. Times/dates/chronology.
I would then write down what the expert opinion is. If you have someone medical saying that you cannot return to work because of your ill health all the better.
Once you have got this down on paper take a critical look at it. Where are the gaps? What is the criteria ( ie if it is you cannot do any work, ever, what can you do to prove it?)
I'd also write out a detailed plan B. If you do not qualify what is the alternative?

Thanks all - useful advice and well wishes which have helped me focus and get something meaningful down on paper!

This is the latest in a series of experiences over the last year which I would say sat far outside my previous skill sets / areas of expertise but will soon become a subject which I will soon be reluctantly knowledgable on… following on from hospital care and discharge pathways, social care options and funding, lasting powers of attorney, and the benefits system. So, so much paperwork!

Thanks again, all.

AIs are brilliant at wording such things. You can refine it afterwards and change any words/expressions which are not appropriate for you.

I just helped a relative to successfully upgrade her legacy DLA claim to a full care and mobility award. It doubled her income from the DWP and will give her a far more generous allowance for housing and council tax benefit from the LA. I used AI extensively to fill in the information for the big boxes on the form and to provide extra information.

My friend tried to claim ill health retirement from teaching due to stress, anxiety, mental health issues resulting from breast cancer. She had supporting evidence from her GP , oncologist and head teacher but it was declined. She couldn't face appealing so once she reached 55 she just applied for early retirement.

She went on to have quite intense therapy and her counsellor diagnosed PTSD. With that diagnosis she may have stood a chance with her ill health application.

I do think you have to have a very, very strong case so you need to have as much supporting evidence as you can.

I got ill health retirement for ME and know several others who have too. It shouldn’t be about the diagnosis, but about how it affects your functioning.