Early payment of pension benefits on the grounds of ill-health, often called 'ill-health retirement', is only available in certain well-defined circumstances.  You have to be a member of a pension scheme, and you have to meet the requirements laid down in that scheme.  These are very specific, and we have to be honest and fair in our assessment of your condition for the scheme.

In many cases now the pension trustees require a referral to an independent occupational physician for an opinion on whether you are eligible for a pension.  This independent occupational physician will have very strict criteria to follow.  In most cases he has to be able to demonstrate that your condition is permanent.  This means that there is no additional treatment that could help you, and that there is clear evidence that you are unlikely to recover in the future.

In most cases where an independent occupational physician makes an assessment, only the paper files are reviewed. The assessment is based on what is known about the condition, how it affects you based on your clinical records, and the statistical likelihood of recovery or progressive deterioration. There is therefore generally no need for you to be seen by the doctor.

There is usually an appeal mechanism if you feel that the decision is wrong.