NHS pension appeal

[ChristineW18]

I was turned down for my NHS pension in December. I intend to appeal, but I am worried that I may get turned down again. Since my first application I have had CBT, physio for osteoarthritis, tried most pain killers available to me (I have stage 4 kidney disease so are unable to use many of the drugs used for fibro). I have had a recent occupational health assessment arranged by my employer which has agreed that I am unable to work and have letters from my consultant nephrologist and gp to back up my claim. I have seen a pain management specialist and been referred to the living well with pain clinic. They have managed to miss me off the July list and I now have to wait until next month for a place, the course involves psychology and physio and will go o for several months. The problem is I now have no income as I do not qualify for benefits and have reached the end of my sickness pay. I have applied for PIP but it will take a while ( even if I do get it). I am so worried that I will be turned down again, I need to put my appeal in but I am afraid they will still say I have not tried to get enough help and treatment.

Has anyone any advice?

[-s44]

My advice is to carry on and appeal - I did with my NHS pension and won. I reckon they generally say no (unless it’s cancer etc) to weed out people in the hope they go back to work or just leave!

I was concerned about time limits etc for starting the appeal and contacted NHS pensions direct mail via Twitter and this is what they said -

There is no time for your first appeal, please see the following link: ow.ly/yhfz30o5iWe

I was supported by my husband and we sent copies of every report and professional contact.

He also wrote a supporting letter from his perspective of how I had deteriorated/changed and the impact on me, him and as a couple.

As for benefits, I was claiming ESA at the time (which stopped once pension in place) - this was backdated as well. Also, I have a pip.

Hope this helps

Sam

[ChristineW18 in reply to -s44]

Thank you for your advice, I am getting so stressed about being turned down again it's good to hear from someone who has been through the process and had a good outcome.

[Farmerboy]

Hello, are you in a union, if so ask them to represent you at the next hearing , seek some professional advice if possible but don’t give up if your case is genuine then you should get your pension.

[Midori]

Appeal; They shouldn't be holing up on this.