Early retirement

[Bowcat]

Hi,

Has anyone managed to get early ill health retirement based on AF?

[BobD Volunteer]

Doubt that will ever happen. I know people have tried to get blue badges for AF and been laughed out . Problem is many people with AF live quite normal lives so there is no consensus . We are all different so you would have to prove that you are disabled by it and need to retire.

Second problem is that should you try to use that many companies may just decide that since you are too ill to work then they will terminate your employment leaving you with nothing. Be careful what you wish for!

[Bowcat in reply to BobD]

Oh right OK thanks. Only I'm 60 and have worked for the NHS for years, had AF for almost 4 years and now my boss is referring me to occupational health for early retirement on ill health.

[wilsond]

YES! From Warwickshire County Council,just last year. I was granted early retirement from their employment as a peripatetic teacher ,and also from the Teachers Pension. I was aged 58 with a normal pension age of 60. It was granted partly because I was on the ablation list and here it has a long wait of 18_20 months average,and Counting recovery ,would be un likely to return.But.also due to the fact that I had tried ,with HR, to reduce hours,reduce geographical area,responsibilities,etc to no avail at the time in regard to my very symptomatic AF and flutter.

I had to go to two medical boards..one for WCC and one for TPS.

I was granted Total Incapacity retirement,but they may have chosen Partial Incapacity,which you still get your pension etc but may work again in due course. If I return to formal work ..unlikely now as I'm enjoying life so much... I'd have to give up part if pension. But all these pensions differ!0

Much improved now....

Pm me if you wish.

Best of luck

[Bowcat in reply to wilsond]

Thanks for reply. I've recently had 2nd ablation HR was 216bpm. I've struggled with symptoms everyday like all you like minded AF sufferers and my boss is now surgesting ill health retirement. I'll be worried about finances though as I live alone..

[wilsond in reply to Bowcat]

Pm.me anytime xx

[jeanjeannie50]

Some people on this forum have no idea just how debilitating AF can be. I had a period of a few months, while awaiting a cardioversion, where it was difficult for me to walk from one room in my house to another. Walking around a supermarket was an absolute struggle as I had one mode - slow, and got in the way of other people who were in a rush! My shopping trolley was like a zimmer frame for me! Thank goodness that's all in the past now.

I understand just how bad a heart out of rhythm can feel. Sometimes when I think back to that time I do wonder if it was the medication I was taking at that time, that was making me feel a lot worse.

I'd find out what amount your pension would be and if your AF is making you feel dreadful, then take that early retirement and get away from the stress of it all. Hoping you don't have a mortgage still to pay.

Wishing you well.

Jean

[absolutepatsy in reply to jeanjeannie50]

I am the same Jeanjeannie50, I couldn't walk 10 steps without having to stop and sit and feel like I am dying. After numerous changes in meds, which I believe added to symptoms, and 1 ablation, I am muddling along shall we say. (don't want to jinx it). It is so debilitating.

[Bowcat]

Yes you are so right it is so debilitating. I don't own my own property live in social housing. I was told if you retire on ill health you can claim financial help from benefits.

[6TIMES]

I've enquired about the same thing and I was told if you take your private pension and finish work the amount you get from the pension is classed as an income when claiming benefits so you will get nothing unless you get pip which is not means tested.

[wilsond in reply to 6TIMES]

You can get help for the first year through New styke employment and support allowance,whichbus based in your national insurance contributions. CITIZENS ADVICE are really great,so helpful,they will talk you through it all.

[Bowcat]

Thanks for your reply. What do you mean by means tested?

[6TIMES in reply to Bowcat]

Means tested is when you qualify for certain benefits.say pip.then you can still work or have a private income and the pip award is paid in full but other benefits are reduced or not awarded if you have an income say a work pension or annuity

[Bowcat in reply to 6TIMES]

OK thanks for the info. That's good to know.

[Ianc2]

Bear in mind your 'going to work expenses' will vanish. I regarded retirement as winning the lottery. In due course you will also pick up your old age pension. Time to cherish yourself perhaps?

[Bowcat]

Yes that's exactly what my family have been saying to me

[wilsond]

I dont regret it at all,my AF has improved considerably since taking early retirement. You might find like me that after your AF improves,you might look at some kind of part time low pressure work again

[Bowcat in reply to wilsond]

OK thanks for the reply.