Can anyone with knowledge of the NHS Pension Scheme help re: imminent Ill Health Retirement?

[Deleted User]

I don't  know about any switch to the 2008 scheme.  The person is 61, still 'in service' on sick leave now, for the first time ever in all of 30+ years continuous NHS service and, on medical advice, the recommended 'Application to retire process' has only just started.  I am hoping to be helpful (I have been asked) without being intrusive as it is a really stressful time for them.  My extremely limited experience is well out of date as I retired with an NHS pension over 20 years ago.

I see there is an important choice to be made.   I would not be involved in that, but hope maybe 'Pensions', HR or someone at work would help with such an important decision.

Such great help from Marcon, hybuh and hugheskevi is truly very much appreciated, thank you.

crv1963

I hope your friend is not too stressed by all of what is happening in their life but for information-

1995 scheme retirement age 60 unless "special class" that is 55.
2008 scheme retirement age 65
2015 scheme retirement age 67

So your friend will have a large amount in the 1995 scheme unless they opted into the 2008 scheme, their Trust Pension Officer should be able to tell them, hopefully they stayed in the 1995 scheme in which case they will have the right to the pension now, and only their 2015 scheme needs to be used for ill health retirement. So they may have less stress knowing that they are entitled to the majority of their NHS pension now and don't have to wait to go through the ill health retirement process for this.

They have already missed one years payment from the 1995 scheme.

Marcon

[Deleted User] said:

I don't  know about any switch to the 2008 scheme.  The person is 61, still 'in service' on sick leave now, for the first time ever in all of 30+ years continuous NHS service and, on medical advice, the recommended 'Application to retire process' has only just started.  I am hoping to be helpful (I have been asked) without being intrusive as it is a really stressful time for them.  My extremely limited experience is well out of date as I retired with an NHS pension over 20 years ago.

I see there is an important choice to be made.   I would not be involved in that, but hope maybe 'Pensions', HR or someone at work would help with such an important decision.

Such great help from Marcon, hybuh and hugheskevi is truly very much appreciated, thank you.

Being supportive by just 'taking an interest' might actually be the most helpful thing you can do...it means a lot to someone when they are in a horrid situation. You don't need to be a 'pensions expert' to be a first class friend here.

Flugelhorn

the fact that they haven't already taken the 1995 makes me wonder if they moved to the 2008 scheme?

[Deleted User]

Thank you again, for all these very helpful and encouraging replies.  It is definitely a really tough time for them and I am grateful to be supportive in any way possible.

I'll ask if the Trust Pensions Officer has been in touch - although I think it might be too soon.

I have given more time reading through the links and it really is a huge amount to take in.  I think I understand the basics although there are some important questions I cannot answer.  I feel as if I'll be able to be more supportive through this difficult process. 

I'm anxious not to overstep the mark, especially when it is such a tough time, but I'll always be available and do my best to encourage and to be supportive.

Thanks to your good help I feel as if I have more understanding regarding how the NHS Pension matters are likely to unfold.  HUGE THANKS to you all.