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Sick Note

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1 year 5 months ago #280412 by John93
Sick Note was created by John93
Hi, I am claiming UC and CA. I have my own health issues and am struggling to continue with my caring responsibilities. I filled in an online request for a sick/fit note from my G.P. explaining this and today they gave me 2 week sick note and said that they don't need to reassess me at the end of this period. The note stated I am not fit for work. Whilst waiting for this note I've carried on caring as best I can. My G.P. has stated that I must book a telephone appointment to discuss my medical issues.
I am unsure now what to do. I would like to claim sickness benefits instead of CA as I can't keep struggling on like this as it is affecting my health. Any advice would be appreciated as to how to proceed. Thanks.

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1 year 5 months ago - 1 year 5 months ago #280420 by Gordon
Replied by Gordon on topic Sick Note
John93

So a couple of things you will need to consider.

First, I'm unclear from your post as to whether your GP is prepared to provide Fit Notes after the current one expires, you will need to have an ongoing one in place until a Decision is made on whether you qualify for a sickness benefit.

Secondly and perhaps more importantly, do you meet the criteria for a sickness payment? Have a look at our UC/ESA Claim guide from the Guides link at the top of the page this explains what you will need to meet for an award. Any more questions, come back to the forum.

Gordon

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Last edit: 1 year 5 months ago by Gordon.

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1 year 4 months ago #281823 by John93
Replied by John93 on topic Sick Note
Hi, thank you for the reply. I've read the UC/ESA guide and still feel a bit confused - that's down to the DWP and their complicated system!
I had a delay in my phone call with my GP (came down with Covid so didn't use the original sick/fit note.) Anyway, after the telephone call with my G.P. he was concerned enough to ask me to come in for a face to face appointment which I had on Tuesday just past. He gave me a sick/fit note for a month, (he said they are not allowed to give them for longer than a month at a time.) I have to see him again next month and he said he is happy to keep giving me sick/fit notes as needed.
I informed the CA that I have now stopped caring, put in a claim for new style ESA online, informed UC of the change, and also phone PIP for a form. The UC have made me an in person appointment at my local Jobcentre for 27 July to reassess my claimant commitment.
I also had a letter in my UC journal called a USD35 stating that they are sending me a questionnaire to assess my ability to work. I assume this a is a UC50 form? I am a bit confused as I thought I had to wait 28 days before they sent you this form, and this letter was dated 2 days after I informed them that I am ill? Does it mean that they might be considering me for early entry into the support group? I hope so! Thanks in advance for your help.

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1 year 4 months ago #281845 by Gordon
Replied by Gordon on topic Sick Note
John93

It is DWP practice to only issue a UC50 four weeks after a claimant has provided a Fit Note but I don't believe this is a legal restriction and it is possible that your Work Coach has considered you to be unfit prior to you actually providing the Note.

Gordon

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems

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1 year 4 months ago #281860 by John93
Replied by John93 on topic Sick Note
Thank you for the response. My UC50 form arrived in the post this morning, so I will be using the guides on here to complete it.
I suspect the reason for the early referral is due to certain medical conditions that I have that have worsened and are now causing recurrent daily falls. Not good when you also have osteoporosis. I'm actually John93's other half (I used the guides before for him with success and would now never be without them).
I will post back here with the outcome of my assessment as it might help someone else, and if I do have any queries I will get back to you.
Thanks again.

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1 year 1 month ago #283820 by John93
Replied by John93 on topic Sick Note
UPDATE: I recently had my telephone assessment for UC and was put in the LCWRA.
I had a telephone appointment with my work coach yesterday. She called a bit late as she said she has had a lot of extra people added to her workload. I suspect it is because the gov. wants more sick and disabled people into work.
Anyway, she told me my next medical assessment would be in 14 months from my initial claim so in a year's time. I was told that this was because people's conditions can change over time.
Also, I was given the choice for her to help me prepare for work now. I politely declined.
Previously at my first in-person appointment at the jobcentre after submitting my first sick note I was informed that due to my many conditions it wouldn't be appropriate for me to attend the JC in person, and they would do telephone consultations instead until my assessment. I wasn't given any work related activities to do at all while I waited.
I don't want to unduly worry other people also in the LCWRA group but I suspect that the gov. are pushing the work coaches to "encourage" us into preparing for work. Just politely decline like I did if they try.
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