The most convoluted, confusing website I have seen.
Applied in October 2021 for early retirement due to ill health. Finally got a decision in October 2022.
I was told I would be paid within 10 days and they have a task tracker to measure the progress of the claim. Mine was stuck on 20% complete for the whole 10 days.
On the 10th day I rang them to find out if there was a problem. They told me they were waiting for information from my school. (I have a good relationship with my school and they have done a fantastic job of looking after me while I worked there). School had already informed me that they had sent the info the previous week. Oh, lo and behold he found the info that the school had returned "that day". Task was then deleted and a new one replaced it and you guessed it, it will take 10 days to complete.
Wife and I are now facing eviction from our home, I tried to explain this to the helpline but he was abrupt and honestly didn't give a stuff.
If you are considering early retirement I would honestly suggest you have a flutter on the lottery instead. I think your chances might be slightly better than mine. See you on skid row.
Reviewed on: 4th November 2022
