If You’re Facing Ill Health Retirement, Ill health retirement (IHR) can feel sudden. Disorienting. Even overwhelming.
Policing is more than a job, it’s structure, identity, and purpose. So when a physical or psychological condition means you may need to leave, it’s not just a process… it’s a profound life shift.
You might be asking:
- What happens next?
- Will I be okay financially?
- Who am I without the role?
These are valid questions and you don’t have to face them alone.
What Is Ill Health Retirement (IHR)?
IHR is the formal process that allows you to retire when your health means you can no longer safely perform policing duties.
It typically involves:
- Medical assessments
- Occupational health reviews
- Pension and legal considerations
It can arise from:
- Long-term injury or chronic illness
- Ongoing pain or physical conditions
- Psychological impacts such as PTSD, anxiety, or depression
But beyond the paperwork, IHR is about transition — and how you’re supported through it.
Understanding the Process (So You Feel More in Control)
Knowing what to expect can reduce uncertainty and help you regain a sense of control.
1. Occupational Health Assessment
Explores whether your condition:
- Is likely to be permanent
- Prevents you from carrying out policing duties
- Could be supported with adjustments
2. Selected Medical Practitioner (SMP) Review
An independent medical opinion based on:
- Clinical evidence
- Long-term prognosis
- Functional impact on your role
3. Tier Decision
Your outcome will fall into one of two categories:
- Lower Tier: You can’t continue policing, but may work in another role
- Higher Tier: You are unlikely to undertake regular employment
4. Pension Entitlement
Your pension will depend on:
- Length of service
- Pension scheme (1987 / 2006 / 2015 / mixed)
- Tier outcome
- Whether your condition is duty-related
You can request a full, clear breakdown from your pension administrator.
5. Appeals & Reconsideration
If you disagree with the decision, you have the right to appeal.
This includes:
- Applying to a Police Medical Appeal Board (PMAB) within 28 days
- Providing additional medical evidence
- Seeking independent advice, such as from the Injury on Duty Pensioners Association
How we can support you
Support around IHR has been shaped by real experiences, including research into Injury on Duty and the Ill Health Retirement Commitment.
Whether you are:
- Considering IHR
- In the middle of the process
- Adjusting to life after retirement
There is structured support available, built around what people actually need.
What support looks like
We offer dedicated support groups tailored to each stage of your journey.
These are:
- Guided by a trained Coordinator Keeping sessions focused, safe, and constructive
- Supported by people with lived experience Individuals who truly understand what this transition feels like
- Enhanced by expert input Including pensions, legal guidance, wellbeing, and transition support
- You’re also welcome to bring a loved one because this transition affects more than just you.
Why This Support Matters
Many officers describe IHR as:
- Isolating
- Uncertain
- Emotionally complex
These groups are designed to help you feel:
- Informed: so you understand your options
- Connected: so you’re not facing it alone
- Understood: by people who genuinely get it
A Different Way to See This Moment
Ill health retirement is not just an ending.
It’s a transition, one that deserves:
- Clarity
- Compassion
- Proper support
With the right guidance, it’s possible to move forward with:
- Dignity
- Confidence
- A renewed sense of direction
Take the Next Step
If you or someone you care about is navigating ill health retirement, support is available now. Speak to us about access tailored support groups and guidance designed specifically for this journey. You don’t have to figure this out on your own.
