early retirement/ill health

helwarren

my dad is due to retire in october but he is in bad health and after just having a week off sick it is looking like he may not go back. He works for the civil service (will be 42 yrs) and they have said could retire the end of July but from the illustrations they sent the pension and lump sum will be lower. I was wondering if he retired on health grounds rather than just early would it make any difference? The other option I suggested is just get signed off sick till Oct (which dr has confirmed would be willing to do) as will receive full pay then take the full amount, but I wonder if they can force early retirement and end up with the lower amount anyway?
Would be grateful for any help -thanks

Andy_L

If he retires before 60 his pension will be reduced for takin g it before 60.
If he gets ill-health retirement, whether by applying for it or being forced, it will not be reduced for taking it before 60 & he may receive some extra years of service depending on the combination of age & length of service

tinkerbell84

You don't get ill health retirement having only been off for a week with a bad back. sorry.

helwarren

tinkerbell84 wrote: »

You don't get ill health retirement having only been off for a week with a bad back. sorry.

Its emphesema and got taken into hospital from work -a bit different to a bad back! Thanks for your helpful input.

tinkerbell84

helwarren wrote: »

Its emphesema and got taken into hospital from work -a bit different to a bad back! Thanks for your helpful input.

Apologies! I don't know where I got the bad back bit from

Even so, ill health retirement is usually only considered when someone's absence is unacceptable (several months) as a way of 'managing them out'.

I think your dad may be best getting signed off until October and retiring as normal (he needs to give 3 months notice of retiring though).

tanith

If your Dad is off sick now and his doctor doesn't think he will be fit to go back , he could apply for ill-health retirement. This usually takes some time to be approved/or not and your Dad could remain off sick and be paid (in my case it was full pay 6mths half pay 6mths) while his case is being approved or not.. when his sick pay runs out he can apply for Incapacity Benefit. It might be a good idea for him to speak to HR or his Union if he has one for advice...

I just reread your post and realised you said your Dad was already almost at retirement age.. this might make a big difference ... he should speak to HR to see whats possible...