What if I become ill?

There are pensions payable on Total Incapacity, Partial Incapacity and Ill-Health.

This is where you are not expected to be able to work again. Total Incapacity is a physical or mental impairment and deterioration which, in the opinion of your Employing Company, acting on medical advice, means that it is unlikely you would ever be able to work again.

The pension is based on your Pensionable Salary and Prospective Pensionable Service to Pension Age, but it will not be less than two-thirds of your Final Pensionable Salary.

• If your Employing Company exercises its discretion and grants a Total Incapacity Pension after you have reached Pension Age (and you are not already working and taking your pension) it will be based on your actual Pensionable Service at date of leaving and your Final Pensionable Salary, but it will not be less than two-thirds of your Final Pensionable Salary.

Partial incapacity is a physical or mental impairment and deterioration which, in the opinion of your Employing Company, acting on medical advice, is such as to prevent you from following your occupation (and will continue to do so), and which seriously impairs your earning capacity.

• The pension is based on your actual Pensionable Service and Final Pensionable Salary, but will not be less than one-third of your Final Pensionable Salary.

If you are age 55 or more, and have at least two years continuous service you may, at the discretion of your Employing Company, be granted an Ill-Health Pension.

The pension is based on your Final Pensionable Salary and Pensionable Service at the date your employment ceases, reduced by 3% for each year the pension is taken before Pension Age. The reduction of 3% a year is subject to periodic review by the Founding Companies and may change in the future.

This is only possible if you have a medical condition where your life expectancy is less than one year. Full supporting medical information must be provided and then if your Employing Company and the Trustee agree, you can commute. See the SOCPF explanatory booklet for further details.