retire early?

[she100]

Hi, has anyone been retired off at 55 due to RA? I work for NHS , been off a few times already this year due to flare ups, now getting told im putting my job at risk, tried telling them that i dont have any control over flare ups! i could be great one day and the next, cant even move, im now thinking, what happens if they pay me off? what benefits do people get?

[Hidden]

You would think the bloody NHS would understand this disease if they don’t what chance has the rest of us . I’m thinking about giving up work even though I’ve reduced my hours I’m still struggling. I applied for Pip last year after a bit if a fight I got standard pip and standard mobility. It’s not a lot but it helps. I’m not sure about your pension etc . No doubt some very knowledgeable person on here will be able to help.

Perhaps you could get a job in the Rheumatology department 😜

I’m sorry you’ve been put in this position

[she100 in reply to Hidden]

id gladly work in RA clinic! x

[Kerensa21]

nras.org.uk/nras.org.uk/hel...

Hope that’s a help + maybe try for ill health retirement?

[rab1874]

Hi there I was pensioned off medically at 51 from the local Authority and get my pension it’s the best thing that happened as I can rest when I want and plan my day xxx

[sunnyweek]

Hello sorry to hear you are struggling with flare ups.

Before they finished me at work I had help from Access to Work and occupational health

The exhaustion was severe and someone from Personnel, I think it's called Human Resources now, talked to me. I worked for local authority but the NHS will have similar. All the time I had off was logged and it actually helped.

If you are in their pension scheme you will be able to take it early and they may enhance it. Also the benefit if you don't have it yet is PIP. Are you in the union at work they will help you. If not speak to Personnel

I finished work at 53, well they finished me, and I am so glad.

there is a way through and I know it's tiring to deal with it and I wish you well.

[she100]

Thanks, i am in the union so ill get in touch with them, sadly im not in the NHS Pension..

[Mmrr]

I was medically retired at 58, I never managed to return to work after diagnosis.

It might be worthwhile looking at employment support allowance (ESA), details on the DWP website and of course PIP.

You should be entitled to some support if you are unfit to work. Good luck.

[Thebill21]

Hi she100

So sorry to hear your struggling at the moment RA isn't a nice disease.

I really understand your situation as 5 years I took early retirement at 51 on medical grounds. Like you had many days off sick due to RA. I also worked for the NHS. I was fortunate to be able to get my NHS pension.

Depending on your situation you can benefits. ESA-Employment Support Allowance & PIP-Personal Independent Payment.

Maybe speak to Occupational Health they should be able to help. Or your Rheumatologist. I hope that you can get some advice.

It did take a few months to sort out due to losts of paperwork. I'm so glad I have retired. I definitely don't regret it.

Good luck.