Hi I’m posting as have had a lumpectomy and radiotherapy and currently off work on sickness absence and I am age 60 will be 61 in July. I am enquiring as to if anyone has been successful in getting the higher tier 1 ill health retirement in the local Government pension scheme. This level enhances your pension to what you would have been due at age 67. I’m struggling with the letrozole side effects and will be applying for Personal independence payment PIP, but I have a high pressure stressful job and I don’t think I am going to be able to cope. I have looked at the wording of the scheme and it says permanently incapable of carrying out your current job and reduced likelihood of working 30 hours a week gainful employment before normal pension age.
There is a risk involved when you apply as if it’s determined that you are unfit to work and you get a lesser tier which could be only to be paid the pension you have accumulated up until current age, you then have to retire. You cannot change your mind if a tier has been determined. I have tried ringing pensions but as it’s determined by the LGPS pensions doctor they cannot tell me a great deal. HR as the employer would only put in place any decision of the LGPS doctor.
Has anyone else in a similar situation who worked for local government been successful with ill health retirement and what level did you get, this is primarily not secondary but I’m suffering with brain fog, joint pain, anxiety etc I really don’t think I can go back to work and I’m currently 30 hrs a week.
Hi @passenger42
So sorry to hear of your situation. I’m not able to help with your pension question but with regards the anxiety have you tried the lady care magnet? I got one and have never looked back it really does work. It helped me get back to being myself and back to work. Look up LABalance. They cost about £45 and I noticed the difference virtually straight away.
When it comes to brain fog I drink matcha. Perfect Ted tins are great. Also OMG powder and then Matchafuel which has adaptogens in. These help me through my work days.
Wishing you well xxxx
I am in a similar position and am wondering how you got on if you would be willing to share. Many thanks.
I worked for a school and was in LGPS, I was able to get the full pension as I took redundancy over age 55. I had asked about ill health and my union said it would be unlikely as I had curative treatment and could possibly work in the future, if I wanted to.
I don’t get a big pension as I was part time with childcare responsibilities but it was nice to know it wasn’t reduced. Is there any change of redundancy? Always worth asking.
As someone who has been diagnosed with cancer you are now disabled under the Equality Act 2010 and your employer should make reasonable adjustments to allow you to continue to work. This charity is great, set up by someone who had breast cancer and wants employers and employers to know what is expected of them.
Take care 
Hi
I’m at the stage of trying to discuss with my breast surgeon if I need to switch meds to evidence that I have exhausted suitable alternatives as that will be a consideration that could lead to the ill health pension application being declined. As I have primary breast cancer and didn’t have chemo I’m not under an oncologist. I will also need a report from my gp.
In order to get ill health you need to remain unfit to work, but you also have the sickness formal absence process to navigate and if no tier is awarded can you then remain in your job with adjustments. I am fearful I could be referred for a capability dismissal. Covered by Equality Act so I hope not the case.
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Thank you for responding so quickly. I am in the same boat. If I make progress I will let you know. x
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