Finishing employment

[JoM]

My partner resigned today from his work. We had a few conversations with HR & it was agreed there was little they could do to aid or support him in his current role, mainly as he has lost the ability to speak.
I said it had been suggested retiring on medical grounds, which I believe means he can access his pension early. HR said he would need to go through Occ health & then a Medical review process to do this, which is more drawn out.
HR are going to give us the contact details for the pension company but, as he has now resigned, will this affect any claim he makes for his pension?
He’s 53 if that is of relevance.

[Arcadian]

I left by 'mutual agreed departure' for a non-MND lifelong illness in 2014.
At the earliest opportunity take some advice from a local disability advice centre / Citizens Advice Centre.
If in a Union, also contact them.
How you leave employment has significant pension and tax (on pension sum accessibility) implications.
My previous employer’s medical department drove the HR and pension guidance with supporting evidence from my Consultant.

Departure from service on health grounds can be drawn out, but (depending on personal health and financial circumstances) is arguably worth it.

Do take experienced employment and medical advice on this at the earliest opportunity.
If HR 'advised' him on the situation without involving a medical professional and without indicating the employer’s pension fund medical criteria, then that is a serious concern.

[JoM]

Thanks Arcadian
I shall get in touch with CAB or see if we have a disability advice centre locally.

[Claireflo]

Hi JoM I would suggest getting in touch with the pension provider and understanding what your husband would be entitled to. did HR not discuss medical retirement if your husband is not able to continue in his role?

Definitely get some advice from CAB and consider asking to retract the notice and for medical/ill health retirement to be considered. Another option might be early release of preserved benefits due to ill health (although the benefits aren't generally as high as ill health/medical retirement).

[MNDConnect]

Dear JoM,

As mentioned in the recent replies, your partner would need to speak to the pension provider to find out the requirements for drawing on a pension due to medical retirement.
If your partner was still at work, an assessment by Occupational Health would have been carried out, the pension provider may still require this assessment, or they may be able to accept a diagnosis letter from the consultant.
Citizens Advice are a good source for legal advice so as suggested above, do contact them for an appointment.
Kind regards
MND Connect

[Anneeliz]

I'm in a similar position to your husband. I have 32 years service with my employer who are currently still paying long after they needed to, so that said, had his employer stopped paying him? CAB are very helpful in the fact of what benefits you will be entitled to. They (his employers) should still be supporting the process of ill health retirement and it is drawn out unfortunately the sooner acted upon the sooner you will get an answer. I wish you well in your challenge. Does your husband claim Pip? Are you his carer? You may also get employment support allowance ESA ask CAB about this. Good luck.