Ill Health Retirement

[POSTIEGIRL]

Hi guys, just wondering... I have just been determined Ill Health Retired, of my own choice, well not really, wanted Voluntary redundancy, but couldnt get it, but ill health issues and advice from cwu suggested Ihr..., under the circumstances quite happy with my outcome, but if my local mc wasnt closing would happily have stayed and gone part time...but hey ho, it wasnt to be.

Sooo gone through the atos process, having my final interview with management to sign forms for said retirement Monday, I am at the moment unsure as to where I go from there... Do I sign on at jobcentre anyway for NI stamps...? Do I have to live off the lump sum payment I am receiving til it runs out...? I know I am getting 9 weeks taxable pay, do I sign on for stamp purposes during this time..? Will I be able to claim any benefits...ie housing, council tax, any other benefits to live on...? My union guys are now based at warrington, I am in Crewe, getting some basic help, but my union rep has handed over the reigns to another rep who wont know my personal circumstances as much as the ex rep...? Any financial help would be great, its difficult getting in at the CAB, but will do eventually, just totally flummoxed at the moment...?

[easter bunny]

Under the IHR agreement , there is 2 different directions IHR can go..One is IHR with lump sum or IHR with pension...You are not given the option , that is made by the Area Manager under direction by the Company Doctor ( ATOS ).

Under the IHR with lump sum ( I presume your getting this ) is 34 weeks pay, notice period (9-12 weeks), outstanding leave and the remaining shares ( approx £1100 for a full timer assuming you have worked for the business for 5 years )

The shares and leave is taxable and subject to NI the rest is not..

As of benefits...You either with have to apply for ESA (which is the old incapacity benefit ) or JSA.. ESA will require sick notes and you will be called for assesment by the medical board in time..

You will be able to apply for housing benefit ( subject to the document which is the size of war and piece which you will have to complete ) .

Your NI will be paid under either ESA/JSA but if you sign on under JSA they WILL expect you to be actively hunting for work and you will need proof of that..

The days of sitting on your rear collecting JSA and not looking for work is over ( according to the Government anyway ) ..

I would at your final meeting ask (if you dont ask you dont get ) if there is any chance they can retire you will immediate payment of Pension as you feel your illness/sickness could last a number of years (unlikely but worth the try- that is of course you have a few years service in )..


Good Luck...

[POSTIEGIRL]

thanks ! That's a great help ! I don't think it would be worth me asking the latter...? As I have only been with rm for 10. Years.... And only with pension for 8...? I don't intend to sit on me bum for ages, just don't know what sort of job I can do..? I have umpteen health probs, I have Hypothyroid, Fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, and depression brought on by the other problems, so I am utterly fatigued exhausted all the time ! future looks very dim at the moment ...:(

[easter bunny]

If you and your GP feel that your condition is likely to last years rather than months Immediate payment of your Pension might be an option if the Company agree with the medical evidence.
As your Pension gets enchanced under IHR with Immediate payment of Pension this would be seriously good news for you .

[REDLETTER]

thanks ! That's a great help ! I don't think it would be worth me asking the latter...? As I have only been with rm for 10. Years.... And only with pension for 8...? I don't intend to sit on me bum for ages, just don't know what sort of job I can do..? I have umpteen health probs, I have Hypothyroid, Fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, and depression brought on by the other problems, so I am utterly fatigued exhausted all the time ! future looks very dim at the moment ...:(

With these problems, I can't see some of them improving!!! Especially the osteoarthritis.

So as another post says, if you don't ask, you don't get! Go for the Money!

Good luck with your outcome. Not the best way to get out of RM, but you have done it.

Find what your strengths are when you are looking for work, a hobby of yours could turn into a business

Work for yourself, (even an Ebay business) when you can and feel up to it, and not at the beck and call of an employer

Regarding support there are plenty of charities out there to help you (not financially but more moral support) , If you've only been with RM for 10 years, there could be support from your previous trade profession, much like the Rowland Hill Fund for RM.

Good Luck