Ill-Health Retirement
in the Police
A comprehensive guide to medical retirement in UK policing, including eligibility tests, Tier 1 vs Tier 2 awards, scheme differences, and financial impact.
Trust Notice: Independent explanation of police pension regulations. Not regulated financial advice. Not affiliated with any police force or pension administrator.
Executive Summary
Ill-health retirement allows police officers to receive pension benefits before normal retirement age due to permanent medical incapacity.
There are two key award types:
- Tier 1 — permanently disabled for ordinary duties
- Tier 2 — permanently disabled for any regular employment
Level of award depends on:
- Pension scheme (1987 / 2006 / 2015)
- Medical evidence
- Independent medical assessment
- Service length
Ill-health retirement is not automatic. It requires formal medical assessment and certification.
What Is
Ill-Health Retirement?
Ill-health retirement applies when an officer:
This is determined by an Independent Qualified Medical Practitioner (IQMP). The process is governed strictly by Police Pension Regulations.
Regulatory Governance
Decisions are not made by HR or management alone. They rely on clinical evidence and an independent determination of "permanence."
The Two-Tier System Explained
Tier 1
You are permanently disabled from performing ordinary police duties. You may still be capable of other employment.
No enhancement applies.
Tier 2
You are permanently disabled from performing any regular employment. This provides the highest level of protection.
Plus Enhanced pension uplift.
This distinction is critical.
Eligibility Indicator
Answer these key indicators to see your likely eligibility scenario for medical retirement.
*Disclaimer: This tool is for illustrative purposes and does not replace formal medical assessment by an IQMP or force decision-makers.
Scheme Differences
1987 Scheme
- Immediate pension payment
- Potential enhancement
- Injury provisions separate
2006 Scheme
Similar structure but with different accrual rules and normal retirement age of 55.
2015 Scheme
Ill-health retirement possible before NPA. Enhancement based on potential service to State Pension Age.
Understanding your scheme interaction is essential — especially with the McCloud remedy.
The Medical Test
Ill-health retirement is a clinical threshold, not a human resources decision.
Threshold Requirements:
- Evidence
Documented history of permanent disability.
- Permanence
Confirmation condition is unlikely to improve.
- Certification
Official formal IQMP certification.
Temporary illness does not qualify.
The medical condition must be deemed permanent — meaning it will likely persist until normal pension age.
If ill-health retirement is refused, officers have statutory rights to appeal the decision through the Police Medical Appeal Board (PMAB).
Injury on Duty vs Ill-Health Retirement
These are not the same.
- Ill-Health Retirement Pension Based.
- Injury on Duty Award Separate Compensation.
Some officers may qualify for both awards if their medical incapacity resulted from an injury sustained in the execution of duty.
Understanding the difference prevents confusion.
Financial
Impact
Ill-health retirement may:
- Provide earlier pension access
- Reduce total lifetime accrual
- Affect lump sum options
- Interact with commutation
- Affect survivor benefits
- Trigger tax considerations
Every case is individual and requires personal calculation.
Impact Projection
Use the interactive model below to estimate potential accrual differences.
Impact Estimator
A conceptual model built to illustrate how ill-health accrual targets compare across the 1987, 2006, and 2015 schemes.
Input Parameters
This tool uses standardized pay point data to illustrate the mathematical differences in how ill-health awards are calculated across generations of police pension schemes.
Estimated baseline pension earned based on your 15 years of service in the 2015 scheme.
Tier 2 awards often include an enhancement (uplift) based on half of your potential future service to retirement age.
*Note: These figures are conceptual projections based on standard rules. Final awards are subject to complex IQMP certification, actuary review, and scheme-specific regulations.
Common Misunderstandings
Is Not Redundancy
It is a medical capacity process.
Is Not Discretionary
It is governed by regulation, not managerial choice.
Not Automatic
Requires high thresholds of medical evidence.
No Tier 2 Guarantee
Assessment for regular employment is strict.
It requires evidence and independent medical sign-off.
Psychological Health &
Ill-Health Retirement
Mental health conditions can qualify.
However, evidence requirements are substantial. IQMPs typically look for a detailed history of treatment and specialist reports.
- Specialist consultant reports
- Comprehensive treatment history
- In-depth Occupational health review
Permanent incapacity remains the absolute threshold.
What Happens After Approval?
Immediate Payment
Pension starts immediately regardless of age.
Lump Sum Options
Commutation remains available under scheme rules.
Survivor Benefits
Protection for dependents is locked in.
Future Check-ins
Some schemes may require periodic reassessment.
Common Questions
What is ill-health retirement in the police?
Ill-health retirement allows an officer to receive pension benefits early due to permanent medical incapacity. It requires formal certification by an IQMP.
What is Tier 1 vs Tier 2 police ill-health?
Tier 1 applies when an officer cannot perform police duties but can work elsewhere. Tier 2 applies when an officer cannot undertake any regular employment and provides an enhanced pension uplift.
Can mental health qualify for police medical retirement?
Yes, if the condition is permanent and meets specific regulatory thresholds. Evidence requirements are typically very substantial.
Does ill-health retirement reduce my pension?
It may reduce total accrual due to earlier exit, but Tier 2 awards include an enhancement designed to protect those with long-term incapacity.
Who decides ill-health retirement?
An Independent Qualified Medical Practitioner (IQMP) makes the final medical determination, not the police force management.
Model Your Exact Pension
Use our Police Pension Calculator to estimate your annual income under the 1987, 2006 or 2015 scheme — including early retirement reductions and McCloud impact.
Final Position
Ill-health retirement exists to protect officers who can no longer safely perform their role. It is structured, regulated, and evidence-based.
Before making assumptions, understand:
Internal Linking & Resources: