Claiming state pension early on the grounds of ill-health?

[windywillow]

My husband has paid NHS contributions since the age of 16 (he is now 51). He has never had time off sick from work, but within the last couple of years he has become increasingly poorly with arthritis, diabetes and stomach problems.

Does anyone know if it is possible to take the state pension as young as 51 on the grounds of ill-health please?

TIA. x

[MatydaLover]

My sister-in-law retired this year after 32 years at 50 though ill health. She received a lump sum of £96,000 and an annual pension of £15,000. She worked for her local authority ... so if your husband works as a civil servant there should be no problem. If not, then I'm afraid there is unlikely to be anything as generous.

[hc4361]

That is a private pension. You cannot get a state pension before you reach pension age. He may be entitled to Incapacity Benefit and Disability Living Allowance.

[windywillow]

Thanks for reply, MatydaLover. My hubby has never worked in the Civil Service, he paid into a works pension, but that would be very small. I have no idea how much the state pension is, even if you can claim it early. Don't know where to start to try and find out, to be honest.

[windywillow]

Thank you hc. So you can't claim a state pension early?

[marval]

Have a look at this, there might be something helpful.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Pensionsandretirementplanning/PlanningForRetirement/AboutToRetire/DG_10014848

[windywillow]

Thank you marval. x

[TCL-MUMPING]

If he is unfit for work and can get medical certificates to confirm this, he should claim Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).

[windywillow]

Thank you TCL. x

If there was a way of avoiding it, he would like to avoid going onto sickness benefits, but he may have no choice, by the look of things. I thought claiming early pension might depend on the number of National Insurance contributions one has made - I was wrong.

Thanks again all.

[chutney]

I am 58 years old will be 59 this year ( 2011) I have suffered with Labrynthitus since 1991 and take medication to help with my balance. I have tried to claim ESA and cannot retire on a state pension until 2015.

To get to the ESA examination board ( they will not visit you at home ) I had to take my medication so I could walk in a straight line and so... was deemed fit for work on that day so, was not granted ESA.

They were not interested in the Doctors letter explaining about the months I had to take off just to lie in bed and get well enough to attend the examination board so I could claim it ! its all rubbish, the government just don't want to help you however long you have worked and I have been working since I was 14 years of age.