Good Morning,
After many years, I am now with the support of HR and Neurologist thinking about retiring due to ill health. The whole thought of the process horrifies me.
Has anyone else been through the process and could you share any advice please, I am quite anxious about it all.
Thank you
Cath
Hello Cath I took it about 7 years ago at 59 and it was the right decision. If you are in a company pension ring them up first for advice, in my case the best option for me was to go on a redundancy option rather than ill health. Remember it is just a job and they may want to get rid of you more then you think and you need to come to terms with that, everyone usefulness comes to an end unfortunately. Get as much as you can and do mot accept the first offer. This question has been aske before SO DO A SEARCH TO READ PREVOIUS COMMENTS Bertie
Hello Cath. Bertie speaks good truths. It’s a question frequently asked on the forums. If you’re thinking about it, it’s probably the right time. I retired as a teacher 7 years ago at 57. Because I was a teacher, I went through Kent’s occupational health criteria. I then had an access to work assessment where we explored a variety of options. I explained my difficulties in writing and then had to deal with the many-headed Cerberus that is Kent County Council. It was done by six months and the best course of action.
Best wishes.
you didn’t ask to have m.s. nor to be in the position of going for ill-health retirement so don’t feel apologetic about this. You have to work out what the best scheme is for you - are you eligible for sick pay and when that ‘runs-out’ you can apply for ill-health retirement. Don’t sit down and assume your employer will have your best interest at heart. You have to become pro-active and if you think you’re being short-changed pay for legal advice.
It obviously seems such a life-changing decision to make and there’s no denying it is. You will find it will be a change for the better; no more struggling to do something because you have to.
If you want to find out the legality; contact the free help sponsored by the MS society https://dls.org.uk/free-advice/ms-legal-advice-line/
Believe me, you know when it’s time; it’s not the end it’s the beginning of a new journey.
Really good advice here Cath - I’m still working full time - aged 51 - 30 years service & think that a few more years will do me, thankyou very much. MS has made me realise the importance of life & not working - my wife’s family are incessant about working (or is it greed)her dad has 2 pensions & still working 4 day week in his 70’s - complains about having no time for anything, nuts in my opinion, great he has the health to do it but we don’t live forever.I really think that I could pass my own time.
Health should always be a priority, so if have some problems with it, don’t think too much about retirement, just do it and take care of yourself. I had some health problems as well when I decided to retire, and this was the best choice which I ever made in my life. The (removed by moderator)helped with all the formalities, and now I can enjoy my life, spending time with my family, which is now possible, because I finally have enough time for this, after so many years of work and not seeing them like weeks in a row until I come back home.
Just right you are and good luck - life is for living