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ILL HEALTH RETIREMENT FOR COUNCILLOR MEMBERS
If you have at least three months total membership and an approved Independent Health Practitioner certifies that you have become permanently unable (until your 65th birthday) to perform the duties of your office efficiently because of ill health or infirmity of mind or body, you will receive your pension and lump sum immediately. The medical practitioner must be qualified in occupational health medicine and must not have previously been involved in your case.
How is an ill health pension and lump sum calculated?
Ill health pensions and lump sums are calculated in the same way as detailed in the section on Retirement Benefits, except that the total membership used in the calculation will be increased if your total membership is five years or more. The amount by which it will be increased is shown in the table below.
| Total Membership | Total Membership after Increase is Awarded |
| Less than 5 years | Actual Total Membership only |
| Between 5 and 10 years | Total Membership doubled |
| Between 10 and 13 1/3 years | Total Membership increased to 20 years |
| Over 13 1/3 years | Total Membership increased by 6 2/3 years |
Your increased membership, however, must not exceed the total membership you would have accrued had you continued in service until age 65.
What if I don't qualify for an ill health pension and lump sum?
If you have less than three months total membership you will receive a refund of your contributions.
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If your pension benefits are subject to a Pension Sharing Order issued by the Court following a divorce or annulment of marriage or the making of an order for the dissolution or nullity of a civil partnership, or are subject to a qualifying agreement in Scotland, your benefits will be reduced in accordance with the Court Order or agreement.
Your pension benefits will not be increased if you have previously been awarded an ill health pension under the Scheme.
When, at the date of retirement, the Fund is satisfied that there is a life expectancy of less than a year, the Fund may commute the pension into a lump sum equal to a lump sum of five times the annual amount of pension given up.
Ill health pensions are increased each year in line with the Retail Prices Index regardless of age.
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