At Ill-Health Retirement Medical Assessment, we specialise in a formal evaluation carried out by an independent occupational health physician to determine whether an employee is permanently incapable of continuing in their role due to a medical condition. 

These assessments are usually part of workplace pension schemes and are required before an employee can access ill-health retirement benefits.

Since ill health retirement has long-term financial and employment implications, the assessment provides impartial medical evidence to guide fair and legally compliant decisions.

Request a free quote for our medical evaluations today.

What Is an Ill-Health Retirement Medical Assessment?

An ill-health retirement medical assessment is a detailed medical evaluation that considers whether an employee is permanently unfit to carry out their job because of physical or mental health issues. 

The assessment focuses on the severity of the condition, the prognosis for recovery, and whether any reasonable adjustments or redeployment options could enable the individual to remain in work.

The outcome is a medical report that supports decisions about whether the employee qualifies for ill health retirement benefits under their occupational pension scheme.

When Is an Ill-Health Retirement Medical Assessment Needed?

This type of assessment is usually arranged when an employee’s health prevents them from performing their role, and other workplace options, such as adjustments, phased return, or redeployment, have been explored without success.

It may also be required when an employee has been absent for a long time and there is medical evidence that returning to work is unlikely. 

Employers or pension trustees request the assessment to confirm eligibility for pension scheme ill-health retirement provisions.

What Does the Assessment Involve?

The process begins with a referral and the submission of relevant medical evidence, such as GP or specialist reports. 

The occupational health physician will then conduct an in-depth consultation with the employee, either face-to-face or remotely, to review their health, prognosis, and work history.

The physician will consider whether the condition is likely to permanently prevent the employee from working in their current role, and in some cases, in any role. 

They will then issue a formal report, which is used by the employer or pension trustees to determine benefit entitlement.

Who Carries Out Ill-Health Retirement Medical Assessments?

Only a qualified and independent occupational health physician can carry out an ill-health retirement medical assessment. 

These doctors are trained to assess health conditions in the context of work capacity, long-term prognosis, and legal criteria set by pension schemes.

Their independence ensures that the assessment is impartial, thereby protecting both the employee and the employer in the event of a dispute.

How Much Does an Ill-Health Retirement Medical Assessment Cost?

The cost of an ill-health retirement medical assessment ranges from £250 to £600.

The cost depends on the complexity of the case, the amount of medical evidence to be reviewed, and whether specialist input is required.

Since the assessment has significant implications for pension benefits and employment decisions, the fee reflects the level of expertise and detail required. 

In most cases, the employer or pension scheme covers the cost rather than the employee.

Are Assessments Confidential?

The process is fully confidential. The occupational health physician will only share a fitness-for-work opinion and relevant conclusions with the employer or pension trustees. 

Detailed medical records and sensitive personal information remain private unless the employee consents to their disclosure.

This ensures compliance with the UK GDPR and medical ethics, while still providing decision-makers with the evidence they require.

What Are the Benefits of Ill-Health Retirement Medical Assessments?

Ill-health retirement medical assessments provide significant value for employees, employers, and pension schemes:

• Offer impartial medical evidence to support fair and lawful pension decisions.
• Ensure that employees who are permanently unfit for work can access retirement benefits.
• Protect employers from legal disputes by providing independent expert reports.
• Confirm whether reasonable adjustments or redeployment have been appropriately considered.
• Provide employees with clarity and reassurance about their long-term employment status.
• Support compliance with pension scheme rules and employment legislation.

Can an Employee Be Refused Ill-Health Retirement?

An application may be refused if the medical evidence shows that the employee is not permanently incapable of working, or if adjustments or redeployment could allow them to continue in employment. 

In such cases, ongoing occupational health support may be recommended as an alternative.

How Long Does the Process Take?

The process usually takes between two and six weeks, depending on how quickly medical evidence can be gathered and reviewed. 

Complex cases requiring specialist reports may take longer. Employers are encouraged to begin the process early to avoid unnecessary delays for the employee.

Does Ill-Health Retirement Mean the Employee Cannot Work Again?

Ill-health retirement means the employee is considered permanently unfit for their current role. 

However, in some schemes, benefits may be tiered depending on whether the individual is unfit for their own role only or for any type of employment. 

If their health improves in the future, they may choose to return to some form of work, but pension rules vary between schemes.

Who Decides on Ill-Health Retirement?

The occupational health physician provides medical evidence and an impartial opinion, but the final decision rests with the employer or the pension scheme trustees. 

They review the report alongside pension scheme rules and employment law to make the determination.

Request a Free Consultation Today

An ill-health retirement medical assessment is a crucial step in determining whether an employee is permanently unfit to continue working and whether they qualify for pension scheme benefits. 

By providing impartial medical evidence, it ensures fairness for the employee and legal protection for the employer.

Contact our team today to arrange an ill-health retirement medical assessment or to discuss tailored occupational health services for your organisation.

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