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Ill Health Retirement (IHR) referrals
Before a referral for Ill Health Retirement

How the process works, how referrals are made to Occupational Health Service and how a decision is made for Ill Health Retirement.

Before a referral for Ill Health Retirement

Normally you will have been discussing with your manager the reasons for your absence and the measures which you and your manager can take to support a return to work as soon as possible. These might include:

  • lifestyle changes
  • a phased return
  • reasonable adjustments
  • alternative employment

Your manager may have made a referral to the Occupational Health Service (OHS) to seek advice about the support you will need in the workplace. 

You may also have had an appointment with an Occupational Health Physician or an Occupational Health Advisor and may have support from a trade union representative.

If you, your manager or the OHS consider that you may be permanently incapable of discharging efficiently the duties of your employment, an IHR referral will be made by your manager, through the OHS portal, with the support of HR. 

If you are terminally ill  

If you are terminally ill with a life expectancy of less than a year, your manager, HR and the OHS will do all they can to expedite this process. Provided that the IRMP can obtain the relevant medical reports quickly, they will prepare their report and complete the IHR pension certificate. The manager will then contact you or your representative, discuss, and agree a termination date.

Referral to Occupational Health Service (OHS)

Your manager will make a referral to OHS and provide:

  • details about your job role and the circumstances in which you perform your job such as any physical aspects like lifting or carrying.
  • your sickness absence dates and reasons.
  • details of the medical condition(s) that are known to your manager.
  • steps taken to support your return to work or to remain in work.
  • an LGPS IHR certificate with Section One completed.

Your manager will ask the OHS to provide a medical opinion on your fitness for work and / or the likelihood of you being able to return to work, and to complete the medical sections of the pension certificate, which is based on the IHR criteria.

Your manager will discuss this referral with you and will give you a copy of the referral.