any advice appreciated

[mysti62]

Hi I have been off work about 8 months now with chest infections and shielding I am currently recovering from yet another chest infection I now suffer with anxiety and having councoling I work in a care home and want to retire due to my COPD because I am aged 62 and my breathing seems to be getting worse if I do not get retirement pension until full retirement age thats what work place are going for would I be able to claim any benefits

[Bkin]

Hi mysti62,

I think you are making the right decision to move away from any additional risk. You will be able to get sickness benefit from your employer* providing your doctor signs you off sick and you keep providing the sick certificate to your employer. If however you have now reached the point where your employer no longer has to pay you sick pay and you are unfit for work, then you will need to apply to Benefits ESA full support or PIP.

*this depends on if you are full time and how many years you have worked with them I believe. The citizens advice bureaux should be able to advise further you can email them for advice. citizensadvice.org.uk/work/...

Check out Benefits tab also on the CAB link

Best wishes

[madonbrew in reply to Bkin]

I’m just in the process of applying for ESA...it seems you still need a sick/fit note from your GP. But Bkins advice is good!

[hypercat54]

Hi what I would do is try and get medical retirement from your employer as the package would be financially higher. Unless you want to ever work again that is.

If you don't want to and leave your job then put in a claim for sickness benefit (ESA). Have a look at gov.uk/browse/benefits as this will give you all the information of what is available and how to apply. You can apply once you are unemployed and I think you can do it online. You need to send a sick/fit note in within 7 days.

If you have paid National Insurance over the last 2/3 tax years you will qualify for contribution based benefit whatever your personal circumstances. If you haven't then it will be income based benefit and will depend whether you live alone, partners income, any other money coming into the household, savings etc. If you qualify then you should be able to get housing benefit and a big reduction on your council tax. I used to work in the system!

You can also contact the BLF helpline and ask to speak to the benefits advisor. Their no is 03000 030 555 and they work office hours.

[Eastend555]

Thats a hard one my friend

Firstly ask advice from your Social Worker if you have one

If not explain your problem to your doctor

You say you work in a Care Home will the Management there support your claim to retire early.

You must have support do yourself a favour dont go for it by yourself

[Oshgosh]

I think the advice from Eastend55 is very sound. My friend tried to apply for early NHS pension.

They asked if she intended to work again,she sais yes.

She was turned down immediately.

Good luck