I am considering applying for ill health retirement from my teachers pension. I’ve returned to work after surgery, chemo, radiotherapy still on Herceptin. I’m also on tamoxifen for 10 years. I just can’t do it with all of the long term issues I’ve been left with after my treatment. I’m interested to hear from anyone who has applied, successfully or not. I’m concerned my age will go against me as I’m 44 so not as near to pensionable age as others who have applied. I don’t know if this matters or not? I know I have to prove my that I’m unable to work and that this will be the case until I’m pensionable age. Macmillan have been helpful but I suppose I won’t know until I apply? I would need the higher tier of retirement to be able to cope financially. Any experiences or advice welcome xx
Hi Wilkie’s, Why don’t you ask your union for their help. They may be able to tell you if your age will go against you or not, after all you would be applying for ill health reasons. You would need to let them know how many years you have been teaching etc. You could also phone/email the Teachers Superannuation Scheme and ask for a forecast from them, explaining your situation. You have probably guessed that I am a retired teacher (Primary) and I am in awe of all you younger ladies who are still working, many also with young families. I was lucky I was already retired when I had my cancer diagnosis. I have a wonderful, supportive husband but could still not have carried on teaching. I know some people have to work for financial or other reasons. Like you I have been through surgery, chemo, radiotheraphy and am on Letrozole for another seven and a half years. I hope you have some support around you. Take care. Thinking of you.
Hi walkies,
I was similar to you. I worked for local council and was 60 at the time , 18 months ago.
Applied for ill health retirement. Had to give permission for them to access my medical reports and had to see the council doctor, who was lovely.
Upshot, i was retired on full pension, as ill never work again. If you dont get full iim sure youd get level 2, which is what i was expecting. You lose a small percentage.
My advice? Dont struggle. Go offsick your doctor will support you (i got ESA).
Ask for ill helth retirement, its straightforward.
And if you haven’t already apply for PIP.
I know its scary, and i know your young but you need to look after yourself.
Best wishes xx
Thank you Sunshine21. I’ve got the details from teachers pension but they won’t give an exact figure for the higher tier but they do give you a rough idea of how ill health retirement would be calculated. Good idea about the Union, I’ll get on to them and see what they say. Thanks for taking the time to reply, the uncertainty is hard but I won’t know until I try! Xx
Thank you SleepyJean1, I’m glad to hear that you had a successful outcome for your application for ill health retirement. I have got the online form to apply for PIP and some guidance on this from MacMillan so I will submit soon. I’m not sure how much detail they need but I’m trying to include everything I think is relevant. Fingers crossed . I think I’m feeling unsettled because I thought I’d bounce back to how I was before and be able to cope with a demanding job and life at 100 miles an hour! What a wake up call I’ve had! Thanks for the advice. It’s good to hear from those that are in the same situation xx
It came as a real shock, not bouncing back. Dont feel awkward asking for help. Its all new and if you’re anything like me, itll take a while to fully sink in. Just how much things have changed.
Ive had councilling which helped.
Good luck with your pip claim, just remember theyer not really interested in whats wrong with you, its all about how it impacts on how you can or cant do things and how much help and support you need.
Hi Walkies, I do hope you get on alright with your application. As you are still on Herceptin and Tamoxifen I think your treatment is not deemed to be finished yet. I hope your union can give you some help. I am not sure but I think much depends on how long you have been teaching as to how much pension you would be awarded. Not sure what age groups you teach but if like myself you have a number of side effects from your treatments/medications, then I really feel for you still having to work. Many people just do not realise just how demanding the job is. I do hope you have an understanding head teacher as that can make such a difference. Good luck. Let us know how you get on and take care.
Yes it was very demanding before treatment but now it’s obviously harder if not impossible to manage especially with Herceptin, tamoxifen and managing all of the additional appointments. It’s exhausting for a fit and healthy person let alone after all this last year as been.
I wanted to know how you have got on. I am 42 and likely to be on taamoxifen I also teach and am on SLT. I just don’t think I can go back but I didn’t even know about the I’ll health pension
. I think I’m feeling unsettled because I thought I’d bounce back to how I was before and be able to cope with a demanding job and life at 100 miles an hour! What a wake up call I’ve had! Thanks for the advice. It’s good to hear from those that are in the same situation xx