early retirement pension question.

lacawac

Hi everyone , just looking for some feedback on my situation. In December of 2010 ,I had some health issues that resulted in surgery and some symptoms that could not be corrected. I was 57 years of age at the time. I applied for social security disability and was accepted. I worked in the construction industry for 36 years. the normal retirement age in my union is 62. There is a provision for early retirement in which the member can retire prior to age 62 but must take a 3% penalty for each year prior to age 62. Since i was on disabilty I was able to apply for my pension, but was told it would be an early retirement and I lost approx. $500 a month because of it. I started collecting my pension but this has not sat well with me since, my logic is that since I was no longer able to work I don,t feel this was an elective early retirement but I had no choice. I guess my question is has anyone had this scenario and would there be any sense in my pursuing this legally. I just don,t feel I should be penalized because this is a disabilty not an elective. I would appreciate any thoughts about this scenario. Thank You!

mjdh1957

As you are using the dollar sign this makes me think you aren't in Britain.

This is a British site and if you are US, Canadian or Australian (or some other country that uses dollars) then you need to find advice from your own country that will be more relevant to your situation.

EDIT Noticed you say your location is Long Island, so the US then.