Hi Paul,
Depending on what
grounds you are applying for access to your pension/refund of pension contributions, you
may be liable for tax on it, but
if this were the case it would probably be at the standard rate of tax, & it would more than likely be deducted at source before you got it. I'm not stating that this is the case, just that it might be. You should check with your former employer/pension provider & they should be able to advise you further on
your exact situation.
If you have at least 260 (5 years) paid contributions since entering social insurance (since you first started working) you may want to explore the possibility of claiming
Invalidity Pension , which, like Illness Benefit, is not a means tested payment.
The medical criteria is that you
-Have been incapable of work for at least 12 months and be likely to be incapable of work for at least another 12 months
or
-Be permanently incapable of work
The rate of IP is slightly higher than IB, & you would also qualify for a Free Travel Pass, & depending on your individual circumstances, you
may also be entitled to the
Household Benefits Package , so it's worth your while checking it out.