Ill health retirement

1 minute read time.

I tried asking for help in filling in a form for Ill health retirement. I visited my local hospital that has MacMillan help. But they were unable to help at all, only able to refer me to tenovus who also could not help. I know there are exemptions in case it is considered advice. But there was just no guidance to find the help. I felt a bit let down as even tenovus was slow in answering (weeks)  yes they did enquire if u needed help with PIP which I had already sorted thanks to tenovus ( wales)

 the internet was no help as it could only recommend me to charity shops and a meet at the hospital that you need to book  in afraid the representative didn’t have a clue ( not their fault)

i had to fill out with family help to make sure I made no mistakes and copy everything. Very frustrating and tiring. I think if you need advice like this you would either need to rely on family or seek legal help which can cost money. I feel for those who would have to bare this on their own. I never got the chance to ask maggies as I had to file this asap

 it’s a shame that good services like these can find advice and help in just even filling in forms. Obviously waivers on monetary advice. But just being there to help fill in forms or advice for where to get legal advise

Madiso
  • Hi  

    My name is Steph, I'm part of the team who look after the Online Community here at Macmillan.

    I am so sorry to read that you have struggled to find support completing your ill health retirement form.

    I'd encourage you to call the Macmillan Support Line for help with money and work issues when you have cancer. They’re available 7 days a week, 8am-8pm on freephone 0808 808 00 00, email or live webchat.

    Please do let us know if you have any questions or need further help with anything.

     

  • Did all that and was told it was something that they/you do not do. So struggled on my own

  • Hello  

    I'm sorry to hear this. We can appreciate that it can feel really frustrating when you don't know who to turn to for help. I wanted to reassure you that there is support available for you from Macmillan and other organisations.

    Macmillan have information about getting your pension early and ill health retirement here.

    Our Money Advisors can answer general questions but we can't offer financial advice. If we can't help with your specific question, we will usually offer you some help in finding the right support. 

    The Money Helper website also offers information about ill health retirement and can also offer you independant advice.

    Questions specific to your policy are often best directed at your pension provider. They are often also best placed to support you in completing the forms. If you still need help, you could see if they offer a helpline number on the form?

    When making financial decisions, we would also advise speaking to a qualified financial adviser to make sure you choose the best option for you and for anyone who is financially dependent on you. Visit the Personal Finance Society's website to search for an adviser in your area.

    I hope this is helpful and that you can find the support that you're looking for.

  • Your HR dept or the Occupational Health team who provided you with the forms should be able to assist you. Normally you need to grant consent for access to medical reports and you need to give contact details for your oncologist and GP to provide written reports which you can opt to see before they are issued. Once the report s are submitted then you normally have an interview with an independent pension doctor for an employer decision. You have the right to appeal a decision and submit additional evidence.


    I would advise you contact your HR Advisor or the OH Manager if you need any help or a trade union can assist if you are a member. 

  • The providing pension gave the form to fill. My mother and I just took our time and went through it and did our best. I’ll just wait. Obviously no one can give financial advice. But the point of where to acquire help was a bit poor, I had a call back from MacMillan two months later and was told it’s something they don’t do, never mind; all done for now