Advice please - JSA and depression

Got2change

intruder_glasgow wrote: »

Hi everyone,

Hope someone can help. I was made redundant in August from a very senior, well paid job. No redundancy as was there less than 2 years. We're in receipt of standard JSA ( 90.90 per week ), plus child benefit and 500/month tax credit.

I have recently been diagnosed with severe depression and am currently on various medications for this and to help me sleep. My Doc said I should mention this to JCP as it might access more benefits for me, but I thought I'd ask here first what everyone thinks as I'm not always certain the advice given by JCP is accurate. ny help / advice would be very much appreciated.

So sorry to hear of your misfortune and equally sorry to see the tone of some of the posts on here and the sidetracking from your question.

I think the thing is that your depression may well be "reactive" - as a result of the c****y situation you are in. Your GP is actually the one who would provide you with a Dr's Certificate to submit to the JCP and chances are that you can change your claim to what was Incapacity Benefit - but you do need to speak to the Jobcentre; it will involve closing down your claim for JSA and claiming the new benefit. But be aware that you will pretty swiftly be required to attend a medical to support your claim and endorse the Dr's note and you are required to "pass" this medical to continue claiming. It's all done on points and can take a long time for there to actually be a decision. You will also be needing to submit Dr's notes each month or period you are "signed off" for.

On a "spiritual" level, you may find that getting into the system makes you feel even worse..... but only you can know. Maybe have a think about the pros and cons

On a financial level, if you receive (what was) Incapacity Benefit, it is usually based on your previous NI contributions so, if your OH gets a job, then your IB is not taken away from you and also I think you are allowed to do what they call "Permitted Work" and earn a small sum of money without losing (some/all? of) your benefits.

Again, I (sincerely) know how you feel - so keep your chin up and have a think about your options. Hard as it may seem to be to believe, but you do still have some......