NHS Pensions is continuing to receive applications for;
- The Consideration of Entitlement to Ill Health Retirement benefits (AW33E)
- The Consideration of Entitlement for Early Payment of Deferred Benefits due to Ill Health (AW240)
Due to the unprecedented pressure on front line NHS Services during the COVID-19 pandemic, it may be more challenging for the Scheme’s Medical Adviser to obtain information from doctors; information or reports which may be required, in order to assist the Medical Adviser with their clinical consideration of the application. This can result in a delay in the Scheme’s Medical Adviser providing a decision.
We ask all employers to ensure that members and occupational health physicians understand the importance of including all relevant evidence to allow the Medical Adviser considering the application to have a good understanding of the member’s condition.
This should hopefully reduce the number of further medical evidence requests made to front line NHS Services and therefore avoid delays in considering members’ applications.