If you become seriously ill and you’re under age 55, you can apply for ill-health early retirement.

Ill-health early retirement can only be granted if:

• you’re suffering from physical or mental incapacity that prevents you from working in your usual occupation; and
• this seriously impairs your future earning capacity.

You will need to provide medical evidence from a registered medical practitioner of your ill-health to the M&S Ill-Health Retirement Panel. This must demonstrate to the Trustee that you’re incapable of continuing to work in your current occupation until you reach your normal retirement age. The Panel meets monthly to consider applications.

The amount of pension payable under ill-health will be reduced because it will be in payment for longer than expected. It won’t be enhanced in any way.

If you’re terminally ill you may be able to take your entire pension as a lump sum. The medical evidence you provide will need to confirm that your life expectancy is less than 12 months.

If you want to be considered for ill-health early retirement, please contact the Pensions Administration Team for more information.