How to apply for ill health retirement

How you apply for ill health retirement will depend on what type of member you are.

Are you  an active member?

Before you consider making an application for ill health retirement you and your employer must be able to demonstrate and document that all other avenues (e.g. re-deployment into your own post or a comparable post) have been exhausted. There are various considerations and discussions you must have had with your employer before any application can be made. Guidance on these can be sought from your employer.

If the only option is found to be ill health retirement:

1. Ask your employer for the Ill Health Retirement Application Form.
2. Complete this form with your employer.
3. Return this form to the PSPA with all supporting documentation.

Further guidance on applying for ill health retirement and the benefits awarded can be found in the Ill Health Retirement Fact Sheet.

Are you a deferred members?

Past members of the Unified Scheme who have preserved their pension benefits for payment at their retirement date can also claim the early payment of these benefits if they are deemed permanently unable to undertake any gainful employment.  

Find out more by reading the Ill Health Retirement Fact Sheet.  

If you are a deferred member and feel you meet the criteria:

1. Complete the Deferred Ill Health Retirement Application Form.
2. Return this form to the PSPA with all supporting documentation.