I was made redundant nearly 15 years ago and have been on Illness benefit since because of an ongoing medical condition. I had no correspondence regarding a deferred defined pension that I was part of since I left this employment until i got notification that the company is changing their pension from a defined pension to to defined contribution pension. The company is making a additional payment towards my fund . My question is .....I am now over 50 so can I draw down my pension after this deal has gone through. Will this effect my illness benefit and what are the options that would be offered to me. I am not talking about huge money , but at the stage I'm at in life the money might be attractive. Any advice on what my options might be.