I have worked for this company for 30yrs & have been on permanent disability for the last 2 yrs. I called today to respectfully tell them I will not be returning due to permanent disability. I have spoken with our long term disability provider & they said I must contact the company. I have told them I would need the paperwork for my 401k & information about my pension. I will be 55 in July. They told me I must retire now to get my pension & 401k. But I'm not old enough, I don't think & I need the money from the 401k to catch up with taxes & things I couldn't afford to pay while on disability. They tell me if I leave on a disability & can access my 401k but will lose my pension. What should I do? I'm going to lose my home, my pension & everything else. Please help me.

I can't advise you on the retirement planning as I am not equipped to do that.

However, I just want to point out that perhaps you could get a different job.

Now, I don't know what your disability is, and if it prevents you from getting any sort of other job in another field, then forget my suggestion. But if you could become a secretary or something, that might help you with the bills.

First if you are union you should contact your union representitive.

Next you may wish to at least have a sit down introduction interview with a disablilty attorney.

You have rights to social security disability inaddition to your company disability insurance ( if that is what you are talking about)

A disability attorney can look at your retirement plan and see if you are vested or not and if you have rights to an early retirement or not.

I do not believe anyone on these boards that I have seen resond to these answers are properly qualified or licenced to give you the advice you need.

Thank you for your response. I am collecting SSDB & have completed all funds from disability insurance, just for clarity. I'm sorry to impose, thinking an answer might be available. Thank you very much

You didn't impose on anyone Tigerlady. Most of the folks who are regular here are quite willing to try to help. Unfortuantely In your situation you need advice from someone knowledgeable in a specific pension plan. Good luck.

Yes I am sorry if I put anyone down, there are a few I have seen lately that are pretty good on taxes, and retirement. ( although I may disagree at times on some investments) but when a person has their life and entire future hanging on some right choices, no noe without looking very carefully at all the documents and knowing the state, that state law and more can do you jutice. I was just concerned you were not getting local legal assitance.

I a sorry if I offended anyone.

Next please ask any question and all questions, we do want to help and can on a lot of issues,