Retiring because of ill health

If you have to stop working due to serious ill health, you may be able to take your pension benefits immediately (regardless of your age). You must have two years' pensionable service to be considered for this benefit.

The company will consider your circumstances and decide whether you qualify for an ill-health benefit, based on evidence from a qualified medical practitioner.

If you qualify for ill health retirement, your credit account will not be reduced for early payment. You will still be able to take all or part of your retirement account as a tax-free cash payment.

Your retirement account will be used to provide benefits in the normal way.

If you have any medical conditions that might reduce your life expectancy or if your health is impaired by a chronic condition you may be able to buy a higher annuity with your retirement account than would be the case if you were in good health.

The company may decide to apply a discretionary increase to your retirement account. The particular circumstances that apply to you at the time will be taken into account in the exercise of this discretion.

Benefits built up before April 2011

We will work out your pre-April 2011 benefits in the normal way and pay them as a pension from the scheme, unless you choose to convert part of your pension into tax-free cash.

When the company has approved payment of your benefits and we start paying your ill health pension, the trustees reserve the right to review your circumstances from time to time.