Ill-Health
Retirement Explained
Tiers, Process & Pension Impact. A comprehensive guide to medical retirement under the 1987, 2006 and 2015 schemes.
Trust Notice: Based on Police Pension Regulations 1987, 2006, 2015. Independent explanatory guidance.
Executive Summary
Ill-health retirement is a medical exit route, not a resignation.
Key Concepts
- Perform Duties: You must be permanently disabled from performing the ordinary duties of a member of the force.
- Permanence: The disability must be likely to last until your normal pension age (e.g. 60).
- Tiers: Modern schemes have Lower Tier (accrued pension only) and Upper Tier (enhanced pension) awards.
What Is Ill-Health Retirement?
It is a mechanism to allow officers who can no longer serve due to permanent medical issues to retire early with immediate access to their pension.
Not Misconduct
It is a no-blame medical process.
Not Compensation
It simply unlocks your pension early.
Is Protected
Pension is paid immediately without actuarial reduction.
The Legal Test
"Are you permanently disabled for the ordinary duties of a member of the force?"
"Permanently" means the incapacity is likely to last until you reach your Normal Pension Age (e.g. 60). It does not mean "for the rest of your life."
Specifically the duties of a constable. Being able to do a desk job does not automatically mean you fail this test, although partial capacity influences the Tier award.
Lower vs Upper Tier
Applies to 2006 and 2015 Schemes.
Lower Tier
Disabled for police duties, but capable of other regular employment.
- Immediate Pension Payment
- No Actuarial Reduction
- No Service Enhancement
Upper Tier
Disabled for police duties AND incapable of regular outside employment.
- Immediate Pension Payment
- No Actuarial Reduction
- Base Service Enhanced (e.g. +50% prospective)
Assessment Process
The Selected Medical Practitioner (SMP) provides the medical medical opinion. The Chief Officer (PPA) makes the final decision.
Ill-Health vs Injury Award
Ill-health retirement is about medical incapacity regardless of cause.
Injury Awards require the incapacity to be caused by an injury on duty. They are separate awards but are often assessed concurrently.
Pension Calculation
See exactly how an ill-health pension affects your lump sum and monthly payments.
Launch CalculatorFrequently Asked Questions
How long does ill-health retirement take?
The process often takes several months. It involves initial force medical advisor review, referral to a Selected Medical Practitioner (SMP), the SMP's assessment and report, and the final decision by the Police Pension Authority.
Do you get full pension on ill-health retirement?
Not automatically. You receive your accrued pension immediately (without actuarial reduction). If you qualify for 'Upper Tier' benefits because you cannot work at all, you receive an enhancement to your service.
Can I work after ill-health retirement?
Yes. You have been retired because you cannot perform the duties of a police constable. This does not legally prevent you from working in a civilian capacity.
Is stress covered for ill-health retirement?
Yes, psychiatric conditions (including PTSD, stress, and anxiety) can qualify if they are deemed 'permanently disabling'—meaning likely to prevent you from performing police duties until your normal pension age.
Can the force refuse ill-health retirement?
Yes. The Police Pension Authority (usually the Chief Constable) makes the final decision based on the SMP's report. If the SMP does not find you permanently disabled, retiring on ill-health grounds will be refused.