You normally have to wait until you’re at least 55 before you can start getting your pension. But if you have to retire early because you’re ill or disabled you might be able to get your pension earlier. Because you have ill health, you can probably get an increased income known as an enhanced annuity.
Can I be forced to retire due to ill health?
Your employer is not allowed to suggest ill health retirement as a way to get you to leave the company. This could be disability discrimination because ill health retirement is your choice. Your employer should make reasonable adjustments to allow you to work if you feel able to.
What benefits can I claim if I give up work due to ill health?
You might be able to get working tax credit for up to 28 weeks, including help with childcare costs, if you are off work due to ill health or disability, and you get statutory sick pay or employment and support allowance. You could qualify for an extra amount called a disability element when you return to work.
What benefits can I claim if I finish work due to ill health?
If you are too sick to work, you should claim employment and support allowance. You could also claim housing benefit to help with your rent. If you leave work and are turned down for employment and support allowance you could claim jobseeker’s allowance or universal credit instead.
Will I get paid if I am dismissed?
If you’re dismissed before your contract’s end date, check if your contract says your employer can do this. You’ll get at least your statutory notice period if your contract says you can be dismissed. You won’t be owed your unpaid wages if you’re dismissed for gross misconduct.
Can my employer dismiss me for ill health?
An employee cannot be made redundant due to ill health, although they can be fairly dismissed on grounds of capability, as long as the employer has acted reasonably in all the circumstances and made any reasonable adjustments within the workplace, wherever possible.
