Help please re ill health retirement

Starry-eyed_surprise

I would appreciate any advice on retiring early on grounds of ill health and claiming pension. I have a small Teachers Pension fund built up and I will have to claim this. Don't know anything about this as I didn't expect to be doing this yet. I am 50 and have been told I have less than a year. Am devastated, shocked, scared and broke. As I work as a supply teacher in one of my jobs I am not classed as being on a contract for work so on the days I work I am 'employed' and on the days I don't I guess I am technically 'unemployed'. I also have a part-time contract with a university as well until June 07. Is there any state help too? Husband still working. Can't do the school teaching job any more (health) and not sure how much longer I can do the university work.
What to do next? I have asked union and someone is coming to see me next week but any other help would be appreciated.

Ted_Hutchinson

Claim Disability Living Allowance

Disability Living Allowance

Incapacity Benefit

Incapacity Benefit Disability Alliance info

I'd suggest you also join Benefits and Work as there information and guides are kept up to date and the site has a forum where you can get help.

I appreciate that your doctor has said you " have less than a year" s/he may well be prepared to indicate to the DWP that you in fact comply with the terminal rules grounds for DLA which will make both the DLA/IB claims much easier and quicker.

EdInvestor

Very sorry to hear your news

IIRC it's possible for a terminally ill person to be paid out a pension fund in full as a lump sum?