Early retirement on ill health

cw18

The IB page says

If you can't work because of illness or disability which started before 27 October 2008, you may be able to get Incapacity Benefit.

which I read to mean that if the illness started before that date (which the OP's DH's did as he's about to exhaust his entitlement to SSP) then you actually still claim for IB

healy

cw18 wrote: »

The IB page says



which I read to mean that if the illness started before that date (which the OP's DH's did as he's about to exhaust his entitlement to SSP) then you actually still claim for IB

Yes I think you are correct.

Craigoldfield

I am in a similar situation, cancer of the oesophagus and on chemo but I took the opportunity of early retirement (aged 48). I can understand him wanting to aim at getting back to the job and it is important to have a target. Mine quite simply was focus on treatment, ensure my payout lump sum was invested for my family (much help from MSE site there) and spend time with my family. I've also developed a couple of new hobbies, macro and bird photography and developing my family tree. I do miss the colleagues from the job but they are keeping in regular contact but I don't miss the job itself. The freedom from a diary or even having to wear a watch makes me feel so much better. Good luck to him with his treatment.:T

James123_2

I'd like to endorse the view of the last poster - Craigoldfield. I too have just been retired at 45 in similar circumstances (Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma) which, as I now know only too welll, is cancer of the immune system. I can fully understand your OH's reticence to take early retirement, but sense that he might need to adopt a new focus in his life. Equally, any pension might still allow him to ultimately take on other, p/t employment.
I do understand your frustration. 31 is no age to have to find yourself being pensioned-off. I guess we all have to play the hand we're dealt in life.
Anyway, you'll certainly get IB (or its new equivalent) plus DLA - possibly on a long-term basis. IB is reduced by any pension above £4400ish by 50p in the pound. However, if your OH gets higher rate care then this no longer applies. I'm not sure whether you fall under the IB or new arrangement here. Either way, DLA/IB could potentially offer you about 9K, depending on the level of the award.
Hope all works out for you both and that you can work this through. Try the Cancerbackup site for other sources of chat and support - emotional and practical! There is a useful benefits board on there too. (I'm a frequent visitor there myself)

7062

Many thanks for the replies.

Made a few calls (DWP/Advice Shop/Insurance comp's). Anyway because tehy all take into account any pension that he would recieve we are going to take the lump sum option now. This will allow us to pay off the mortgage and still have a bit left over. At least this way should anything happen to DH we will still have a home.

I really greatful for all the help. The lady i spoke o from DWP was brillant i think it was because i told her, "the only benefit i get is the one everyone gets if thy have children". Gave her a bit of a laugh as i didnt even know the name of it. But sadly it is a total minefield and as most people in my situation would say, you could really do without the additional stress.

Thanks


After further investigation it appears that he will be better of to take the lump sum option now with reduced pension. This is due to what our insurance company take into account after before awarding

cw18

Great to know things are getting sorted/moving forward for your family

And that post comes over in a much more positive frame of mind too, which I hope means things are less stressful at home tonight

James123_2

PS ... Get a Macmillan Benefits advisor! They'll do all the paperchasing for you. 0800 500 800.
These are designated folk from Macmillan whose job it is to help. I used one with good effect.