ESA Query off sick at moment

Hi Just asking for some advice please.
Im currently off sick from work as i have neurological damage from a brain tumour operation which went wrong unfortunately. I am on ssp but i really dont think i will be well enough to return to work. I am already on Pip as i have severe rheumatoid arthtitis but managed to get to work part time. I kmow you have to be on ssp for 28 weeks but i cannot see me returning as im not well enough. If i retired on ill health would i be able to get contribution right esa? I have worked in the same company for 30 years and i dont feel right claiming ssp when i dont feel i will be able to return to work. It also would not go down very well if i took the full ssp went on esa and the medically retired. Im not sure what to do or who to ask but i couldnt affird to just survive in just pip. I dont want to deceive my employers but dont want to do simething stupid either. Thanks ever so much. I just dont know where to get advice from. My employers are not particularly sympathetic and i know they are cutting costs so it would be ideal if i just retired.
Sirry for going on (again).