Early Retirement

[Snorkers65]

I am 53 years old and have recently been diagnosed with decompensated cirrhosis and HE. My job involves a lot of both UK and foreign travel, does anyone have experience of early retirement on health grounds?

[Hidden]

Hi snorker. I think it's probably something you need to discuss with your employer

[Snorkers65 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks - I had only worked with them for a couple of months before this whole thing manifested itself, they are not being helpful to say the least...

[Gordon99]

Hi, this is my experience, I’m not sure if it’ll be of use but here goes...

I retired early due to ill health. I worked on projects in various countries. Firstly I cut out foreign travel. Partly because of the varying standards of health care and hygiene that I witnessed. I stuck to the UK & Ireland. Not long after this as I didn’t want to be too far from my local health care. When I reached 58 I reduced working to 1 or 2 weeks a month. Then about a year later I had to stop as my illness had progressed. The gradual cutting down helped me transition. I was self employed so have to wait a few years before I quality for my pensions. I had allowed for this and saved even as I was ramping down. I still miss work but am happy that I made the right choice.

I guess I’m suggesting to plan ahead whilst you have some time. Find out about your pension options, benefits etc.

[Snorkers65 in reply to Gordon99]

Thank you - planning now as I am signed off long term and advised/told I should not be driving due to the HE - sort of curtails my opportunities somewhat.

Mine are all Personal Pensions and am told that it is an option on medical grounds..

[Gordon99 in reply to Snorkers65]

I was lucky enough to qualify for one pension on ill health grounds. I had worked for several companies in the past. The others will not pay out for 4 years yet. It’s worth checking. My HE stopped me from driving too, I couldn’t find reverse! Rifaximin helped my HE.

[LAJ123]

Hi,

Don't know your circumstances so its hard to be absolute, but if you are eligible for a liver transplant, your condition doesn't necessarily mean your loss of the ability to work is permanent.

My liver disease was alcohol related and I was unable to work for quite some time, and to be honest thought my days of work were over. Two years post transplant, I am now un-retired and will, hopefully be back working fairly soon. In my case, the difference a transplant can make was truly remarkable and transforming.

Perhaps you will follow the same route and my tale gives you hope.

Jim

[freddie76]

HI

Sorry to hear you have ended up in this situation.

Initially you would have to be signed off sick and your company would have to pay you statuatory sick pay. When the period runs out you would then be passed to the Job Centre to claim ESA.

In the meantime you could go ahead with checking out the following to see if you would get enough money with your private pension and the small amount of ESA, if you get through.

My husband took early retirement at around the age of 56. He had three Policies in being so we called in a Financial Adviser. He amalgamated all 3 with one company and due to the illness, had two offers. One was to take a smaller pension then, which would increase at a percentage for life. We were told it would take ten years to reach the second figure that was being offered (the higher rate). Or take the higher figure which would be set for life. Due to his poor health we took the higher. But luckily enough he is still here 12 years later (6 post transplant). But of course his pension is no longer inflation linked. But he is still alive.

So if you have a private pension, as you are over 55 you could do the same . But if you do please make sure that you get a reputable Financial Adviser.

You will also need to make sure that you get ESA as well. They do reduce the figure, they pay you slightly less due to any private pension being received

Good Luck

[GSealey]

I was the same age as you 53 when I had biopsy. I struggled to work for a almost a year before and after diagnosis and found fatigue so bad that i took early retirement, which enabled me to rest as and when necessary. I am now 74 and stage2/3. Hope this helps!

[1football]

Don’t give up on not working as things can change, the HE can be treated in most cases and the liver can become stable are you on transplant list?ive had HE and been transplanted (12 weeks) and can’t wait to get back in few weeks

[Snorkers65 in reply to 1football]

Not on the list yet, apparently there is a 2.5 year queue here..

Work are trying to dismiss as I am unfit to do the job, driving and lots of foreign travel both of which I have been told not to do - looking at my options and cannot afford to live on SSP and UC alone...??

[1football in reply to Snorkers65]

To claim any private pension you might have to either wait until your 55 or get medically retired in which case you can get your pension and possibly tax free but not sure whether you would qualify for that.totally agree ssp is a proper struggle it really annoys me when you’ve worked all your life get seriously ill and receive £96p/w. You could try pip but again that’s a minefield maybe you could chat with your local citizens advice

[1football in reply to 1football]

Are you in uk ?

[Snorkers65 in reply to 1football]

PIP is in process..

[Snorkers65]

Yes, in the UK

[1football in reply to Snorkers65]

Why have you been told regards 21/2 year wait ? There is no queuing system it’s about how urgently you need a transplant. Hope your application goes well