Should I take Ill Health Retirement

[Sue2803]

I am in a quandry, finding working very difficult, but finances would be tight if I gave up work. I live on my own so don't know how I would manage. Just don't know what to do?

Any advice gratefully received.

Thanx

Sue

[Trace]

Hi Sue

First of all do as much research as you can, I was signed off work by my Dr nearly two years ago & it was hard managing to pay my bills, I was one of those idiots who thought saving money for the future was a good idea, the only problem with savings is that you will be limited as to how much financial help you can get. Secondly, do you work full time? if so, talk to HR at your workplace, see if theres a way to cut your hours but still be able to earn enough to pay your bills.

Thirdly talk to your GP, if you have an understanding one, he/she will be happy to help you.

If you do decide to give up work, there will be Benefits Agency/ Disabled Living Allowance (DLA) forms to fill in, this is the best piece of advice I can give you, fill in all forms as if your having your worse possible, a lot of us don't want to admit we are ill but we have to to get what we're entitled too, you will have to go to medicals & possibly tribunals, it will be hard & very tiring but do everything they want you to do, dont give up even if you think "there's no point cos I wont get it anyway" keep fighting, its your right,

I dont know if this helps you at all, but I hope it does

Best wishes

[NiksB]

Hi

I gave up 2 jobs because i fell ill and couldnt keep my work going and they were only small businesses so no help.

So i dont think i can help really but all i can say is do all your home work and make sure of your descion. Also dont let anyone else push you this is your choice. I know when you arnt feeling great itis alot of effort but you might find a great weight lifted off your shoulders if you do retire.

Good luck

[Sue2803]

Thanks guys for your advice. I applied for DLA back in December and am still waiting to here. I am hoping that I may get it then I could reduce my hours at work. The only thing I then have to watch is my pension. I work for the NHS as a staff nurse and am on a final wage pension, if I reduce my hours, my pension will reduce, although there is no way I will be able to work until retirement age, I am 50 years old and no I will never make normal retirement age of 60. I will seriously think about all the options and like you guys said, I must do my homework.

Sue

x

[Jelly in reply to Sue2803]

Sue, we are in very much the same boat. I am also 50 and have pondered the same as you. Recently I stood down from my full time post as an Assistant Head Teacher and now work two days a week as a SENCO. Early days but it seems to be having a good effect on my health. The effect on my finances is drastic but better to be poor and relatively well than well off and unable to do anything! I was pretty close to breaking point before. I keep pondering the DLA route as I am doing ok at the minute and don't want people to see me as a fraud! I know this is not the case but only a fellow Lupus patient will understand this. BTW with the current changes in pensions from our wonderful coalition governemnt I would look carefully at your pension options. I hope you have a very clued up union rep as I think this may the key to your situation. Keep strong x

[Amethyst]

I can honestly say that if I had given up work earlier I would not have suffered the complications that I have along with long stays in hospital etc. I absolutely loved my job in the NHS and carried on till I was on my last legs. I too live alone and when I met another woman in the same position I suggested that she give up work. She listened and now has a lovely daughter and is able to go back to work, in a completely different job, part time.

The benefit system is a nightmare and looking to get worse but when your health is at stake I know what I would choose. Since leaving work I studied for an MA and have now qualified as a teacher and work part time. Life will always be a struggle with lupus but it is not the end. Check out the benefits you are entitled to, join a local lupus group as they have lots of information and local help information available and try, I know it's hard, to have a positive attitude. Giving up work could be your new beginning, it certainly was for me. Hope that helps xxx

[Sue2803]

Thanks very much for that Amethyst. I have telephoned the RCN Welfare Officer and made an appointment for a telephone consultation with him on Monday, for advice etc. I know in my heart of hearts that realistically I cannot go on the way I am.

Sue

x

[Sue2803]

Well I have done it, have made the next step to retirement, went to GP today and she is fully supporting my retirement and has signed me off sick for 2 months, RCN rep has taken charge and it helping me to deal with all the minefield. Will post when I know more.

[Sue2803]

Well had all my Ill Health Retirement application forms to fill in this week, all done now with the help of the HR woman, who I must say was lovely. She reckons it will take about 6 weeks or so, cant come soon enough now cos I have gone down to half pay.

By the way my DLA application was turned down, so now have to appeal that, got Paul Howard and CAB helping me with that though, so it is kinda looking ok at the moment.

x

[hebdengirl in reply to Sue2803]

Would love to know how you've got on