DBCBS or RMDCP for IHR with pension??

JsAccessorise · Post by **JsAccessorise** » 23 Sep 2018, 13:14

Hi all,
I have just over 17 years service as a postie, am 48 years young and just in the process of ihr with pension !!!
To cut a long story short I was diagnosed with incurable cardiac angiosarcoma ‘cancer’ back in October 17, had major heart surgery, chemo and radiotherapy leaving me unable to work.
Not very happy with what I’ve been offered under the transitional DBCBS deal so was wondering if I would be better off transferring to the RMDCP before I leave RM, not sure if that can be an option?
Any thoughts on this will be greatly appreciated.......Thanks.

Post by **rogersh** » 23 Sep 2018, 14:08

May I be the first to say my thoughts are with you at this time. I know you are seeking practical support regarding your pension so Robert T is the expert on this subject . I would expect a response will be forthcoming.

Post by **RobertT** » 23 Sep 2018, 14:26

Assuming you're in section C of the RMPP, transferring your DBCBS money is not an option, it has to be taken alongside your RMPP benefits. That's covered in the RM document we received at the time, which is available here. It states:

How benefits are taken

For current members of RMPP, DBCBS benefits cannot be taken separately to other RMPP benefits – DBCBS benefits have to be taken with Age 60 or Age 65 benefits (to link with RMPP and RMSPS benefits).

Current RMPP members taking Age 60 benefits will be able to take part or all of their DBCBS benefits (depending on how much tax-free lump sum they can take at that point) with their Age 60 benefits and can then continue contributing towards further DBCBS benefits until Age 65 benefits are taken.

For new members of RMPP after 1 April 2018, all DBCBS benefits have to be taken in full at the time of retirement.

I don't see that being any different when receiving IHR with pension.

The ill health benefits under the DBCBS are also covered, where it says:

Ill Health benefits

50% of basic pay less Employment & Support Allowance (ESA) for up to 3 years, plus a lump sum payment at the end of the 3 years.

Pre-2018 benefits paid from date of leaving without reduction.

I hope that helps and everything works out ok for you.

JsAccessorise · Post by **JsAccessorise** » 24 Sep 2018, 19:08

Thanks for your help, very much appreciated......

Edseyboy · Post by **Edseyboy** » 02 Nov 2018, 09:28

The question I'm asking is where it says pre 2018 benefits paid from date of leaving without reduction does that mean you get your pension now inc lump sum can not get an answer it appears I'm one of the first in our area North wales to qualify . This would also be on top of unum ins comp who pay the first 3yrs

Post by **RobertT** » 02 Nov 2018, 14:48

Edseyboy wrote:The question I'm asking is where it says pre 2018 benefits paid from date of leaving without reduction does that mean you get your pension now inc lump sum can not get an answer it appears I'm one of the first in our area North wales to qualify . This would also be on top of unum ins comp who pay the first 3yrs

I'm quite happy to be corrected but the way I understand it is:

If you're being given 'IHR with pension', then I believe you'll get your NRA60 and NRA65 pension paid without reduction. More info can be found in the library section of the RMPP website.

Plus 50% of basic pay, less employment & support allowance for up to 3 years, plus a lump sum payment at the end of the 3 years.
That is covered in the agreement we voted for earlier in the year. Although what that actually means in term of cash I'm not really sure to be honest.

If you're being given 'IHR with lump sum' then it's still 34 weeks pay plus I think either 9 or 12 weeks PILON, depending on service.

Post by **Navalron** » 03 Nov 2018, 09:21

This 50% of pay minus employment support allowance ESA. This is one of the biggest cons that RM have done to the workforce and union. ESA contributions based can only be paid for a maximum of ONE year. This is based on your contributions but EVERYBODY gets £110 per week. You get more if your wife/partner is not working/ got kids ect. But after 54 weeks it reverts to income based. So they take EVERYTHING that earn, save, income from everything into account. This is reduced pound for pound meaning of your ESA is say £250 per week but you have OTHER INCOME from half wages ect of £220 you get £30 per week. If you have savings or bonds or SHARES or isas , indeed anything making income that further reduces it. Also if your savings are more than £10,000 you don't qualify for ESA. Also most areas will be on UNIVERSAL CREDIT which will reduce your money even further. There are other benefits but they all are reduced the more money you get. The only difference being in PERSONAL INDEPENDENCE PAYMENT commonly known as PIP, which isn't counted and is worth between £55 and £144 per week which I suspect a lot of ill health leavers will qualify. You can get all the details on the http://www.gov.uk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;. Personally I think a lot of you are in for a shock especially the ones who are still sick and cannot work after the 3 years who then get their lump sum only for it to be treated as income making most posties lose ALL their ESA income based payment. Meaning that their lump sum become worthless as they are just a replacement for the lost ESA. WELL DONE RM AND THE UNION ON ANOTHER FINE JOB DONE, NOT