Heart transplant referral, trying to claim pension at 50.

[PenelopePitstop-]

HF 15% EF with heart transplant referral age 50. Anyone tried to claim a private pension early on medical grounds? They say need 12 months to live rule. Anyone had any luck here?

[Cherrelleford]

Hey I don't know about claiming for a pension early but upon my diagnosis I had the same EF as you at 15%. I was referred to the transplant team and saw them every 6 months for 2 years to complete tests. I still have a severe EF but medical therapy helped so was put on the list. Maybe as the heart team or transplant team for advise as I found they were very helpful. Good luck x

[sandandkev]

You can claim at 55 but not sure at 50,have you tried other benefits as seems to me you could get pip

[Robotman1]

Good Morning Penelope...I to took out my pension early due to serious condition and as you've stated the '12 month rule' was applied..Firstly I believe I was able to talk with my own GP whom did write a letter for me (£90)..? But that was enough for the/my private pension to pay out..It did take several months..The issue I had was they requested a Cardiovascular consultant/Doctors report and of which I had several.. None wanted to put pan to paper..! And in my experience it was that fact that they never knew definitely how long I'd have to live...It was like not one would go on record to say so..?? Anyway I did receive it and as said previously it took some time...But I'd also like you to know that it was taxed heavily..! And to my disgust contacted the government department whom advised me that this was the correct procedure....I hope this helps and very sorry to here about your condition..((I took mine at 49..Over q year ago) And I'm still here..All the best and have a nice day x

[T666]

as I understand it you can claim at 55 and over. Under 55 the medically diagnosed ‘less than 12 months’ stands. However I’m no professional on this just offering my opinion based upon experience and research

[Wooodsie]

If you can get your GP to write that you have a terminal illness (I'm not suggesting that you are terminal), you may be able to have your entire pension pot in a lump sum free of any tax. It depends on your pension providers rules. My sister was diagnosed with lung cancer and she received all of hers . Unfortunately, she did die, but not before thay had drawn down the entire pot.

faq.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/knowledge...

[Lexi72]

Hi Penelope, I would recommend that you take financial advice and also talk to your GP or consultant about your medical prognosis There are different tax rules relating to different types of benefit which differ a bit for defined contribution and defined benefit pension schemes. I assume you have a defined contribution schema as you say you have a private pension. Generally it is not possible to access a pension before 55. However a serious ill health lump sum can generally be paid (tax free) if a registered medical practitioner certifies that you have an expectation of life of less than 12 months. I don’t think there is any tax on this Alternatively if you meet the ill-health condition under the Finance Act 2004 you can generally access the pension pot before 55 . You can then generally take 25 per cent of your pot as a tax free lump sum and if this option is available in your scheme draw down the remainder. Any drawdown is taxed at your marginal rate of income tax in the year it is paid. To meet the serious ill health condition the scheme administrator has to obtain evidence from a registered medical practitioner that the member is (and will continue to be) incapable of carrying on the member’s occupation due to physical or mental impairment and the member has in fact ceased to carry on their occupation. Given that my understanding is that the median life expectancy after a heart transplant is many years I am not sure if you would necessarily qualify for a serious ill health lump sum ( you would need the doctor’s certification) and am not sure if in your circumstances you would nexessarily meet the ill-health condition (it would depend on your ability to carry on your occupation) but you could discuss with your GP. Pension planning for yourself and your family in this type of situation is really complicated and involves complex decisions ( involving lots of tax issues) so I would recommend taking independent financial advice before making any irrevocable decisions once you know the options available .The scheme administrator should also be able to help tell you about the benefit options in your pension scheme in various scenarios. IMore generally I am not sure is anyone in this group knows if there is a dedicated heart transplant group who could give you support? Also have you tried the BHF nurses telephone helpline ( details on the BHF website) they are always very knowledgeable and helpful and supportive . They helped me in the past with my heart condition . I wish you all the best Lexi