Hi,
I’m 36 years old and was diagnosed with metastatic cancer in June 2016 (bone only disease in sternun, femur, spine, pelvis etc). I’ve been on long term sick ever since and am currently on half pay and receiving the PIP (my GP completed the DS1500 form for me as my oncologist refused). Fortunately, I don’t have any symptoms and am currently on Letrozole, Zoladex and Denosumab. My bone only disease is stable and I plan to apply for ill health retirement next month.
When I was first diagnosed with secondaries, my oncologist gave me 3 to 5 years to live. He said that he would write a report that is so bad that I would get my pension as a lump sum rather than an annuity. He told me not to spend it all at once because it might have to last me 5 years or more. He also said not to read the report because it might upset me. However, when I last saw him in March 2017, he said that he will not write that I have less than 12 months to live because that is not correct (in order to get a lump sum pension, the report needs to state that I have less than 12 months to live).
Has anyone ever had an oncologist who refused to say that they had less than 12 months to live? Any advice that could improve my chances of being awarded a lump sum pension? Thank you in advance
Hello Scuba chick, sorry you are in this situation, but welcome anyway! We are a friendly bunch.
I have not been in the same financial situation as you (obviously, as everyones situation is unique), but I have similar points to you. I also receive PIP (thanks to the excellent advice of other ladies on here), which my Onc also refused to complete for me. My GP was “happy” to help, though.
I think you need the help of an independent financial adviser, though, regarding your other questions. It sounds like a mine-field to me, and could have severe consequences if you get it wrong. You sound very sensible to me, but pensions, etc, are very complicated. I think any reputable Pension authority would insist you get independent advice before doing anything anyway.
Regarding an Annuity, a fincial adviser could apply for estimates for an Enhanced Annuity for you (basically it means they will pay you more as they are gambling that you will die before they have to pay out more than you have put in - an excellent reason to keep going, just to annoy them!).
Sorry I can’t be of any real help, but I am not a financial adviser - just someone who has had similar problems to you.
Good luck, and hugs. Barton.x
Hi Scubachick
I have just taken Tier One Ill Health Early Retirement from my job as a school administrator. I am 49, diagnosed Dec 2012, bone & liver mets. My pension was with the Local Government Pension Scheme. I have gone through the Occupational Health process and in March, the Occ Health GP agreed the Tier One enhanced pension - my onc also supplied a medical report. Nowhere does it state a prognosis for me. I cannot work again under the conditions of Tier One but have been claiming PIP for the last 3 years anyway.
You don’t mention where you work but I am thinking it could be for a school?
You do need to take some independent advice I think. Have a look at the Pension Advisory Servoce website.
Good luck, feel free to PM me.
Helen x