Enhanced Pension anyone?: I have spent all day... - Vasculitis UK

Vasculitis UK

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Enhanced Pension anyone?

11 years ago•4 Replies

I have spent all day with a financial advisor trying to sort out my pension. Sadly no underwriter found so far knows anything about Wegeners and as such I am only being offered a maximum of 5% enhancement. Does anyone out there have any advice or contacts they could forward to me to assist please?

Written by

Geoff

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4 Replies

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Albasain11 years ago

Hi Geoff, you do not say whether it is a private pension you refer to or a works pension. Nor do you say whether you have retired early due to your illness or have reached retirement age. If you could advise me on these I may be able to advise in return on work pensions.

Geoff11 years ago

Hi there, I am 62 and its a work pension. i am currently only able to work 2 days a week and was off work all of 2012. I was dx in 2008.

kath1234111 years ago

Do you have a union rep they may be able to fight your corner for you lets us know how you get on as I two have wg and am gradually cutting my hours as I struggle to cope

RichardEVolunteer11 years ago

Hi Geoff.

I took early retirement on one of my company pensions earlier in the year. It was a money purchase type and my pension advisor was through work but still independant and looked at the whole market for a deal on the best annuity to buy.

But I do find it ironic that when it comes to buying an annuity it helps that you have as many medical problems as possible to bump up your return. Almost makes up for the excessive cost of travel insurance !

Anyway, I can't remember exactly what enhancement I got on mine, I'll see if I can find the details. But basically I mentioned every single problem that I had experienced alongside the Vasculitis. I think it helps if you have heart conditions, kidney problems, diabetes, COPD, etc. Anything that will make them think that you have a reduced life expectancy. And of course they also take into account your weight, smoking and drinking habits.

I think they check everything with your GP and/or consultant so I based a lot of my form on the details I'd seen on letters to and from my consultant & GP.

Hope this helps,

Richard.