On JSA but too ill to work?

scottishstudent91

Hi guys, just need a bit of advice here. I've been on JSA for nearly a month and was doing ok looking for jobs. I told them when I signed on that I had depression and anxiety but went back to the docs today and she gave me a letter saying i'm unfit for work for 2 months

So what do I do? I can't go all summer without an income, and i'll get so bored not having a job or uni or anything to do. What should I do? I have an appointment with my advisor at Jobseekers on wednesday, should I tell her?

What will happen? Thanks in advance

ggtth

scottishstudent91 wrote: »

Hi guys, just need a bit of advice here. I've been on JSA for nearly a month and was doing ok looking for jobs. I told them when I signed on that I had depression and anxiety but went back to the docs today and she gave me a letter saying i'm unfit for work for 2 months

So what do I do? I can't go all summer without an income, and i'll get so bored not having a job or uni or anything to do. What should I do? I have an appointment with my advisor at Jobseekers on wednesday, should I tell her?

What will happen? Thanks in advance

You have two choices:

1. Continue looking for work and continue to sign on for JSA as normal.
2. Claim Employment Support Allowance. You will not be required to sign on. You will get the same amount as JSA for 13 weeks then you will be required to go for a medical to continue payments. You must have a valid sick note from your GP through this process.

scottishstudent91

Thanks. I dunno what to do. I really want to work cos i'm getting fed up, but my GP obviously doesn't think i'll be able to

baza52

If you want to work then work....
Just because your GP has signed you off doesnt mean you cant work if you want to.

Ive had depression/anxiety for 10 years now and although i take meds my GP has never signed me off.
Im sure though if i asked he would.

Its your call.

ggtth

scottishstudent91 wrote: »

Thanks. I dunno what to do. I really want to work cos i'm getting fed up, but my GP obviously doesn't think i'll be able to

Concentrate on you getting better then go out and look for work. You don't have to be working to prevent boredom.

Good luck.

Dunroamin

I remember on your other thread that you've only left university temporarily and it wasn't clear from that whether or not you were actually eligible for any benefits as you've received your student loan for this academic year..

FBaby

Are you unfit to work or unfit to look for work? That's too different things. Did your GP give you medication, or a change of meds if already on something. Has he/she referred you for counselling, given you advice on how to manage your depression/anxiety?

scottishstudent91

Dunroamin wrote: »

I remember on your other thread that you've only left university temporarily and it wasn't clear from that whether or not you were actually eligible for any benefits as you've received your student loan for this academic year..

Yes, that was me. I went to JSA and they've given me the benefits so I guess i'm allowed to get them as I answered all the questions honestly.

scottishstudent91

FBaby wrote: »

Are you unfit to work or unfit to look for work? That's too different things. Did your GP give you medication, or a change of meds if already on something. Has he/she referred you for counselling, given you advice on how to manage your depression/anxiety?

Hi, the letter I was given from my GP says i'm unfit to work. I have been on 2 different meds previously and the GP isn't giving me another one until I see a psych which isn't for another 3 weeks. So i'm kinda just hanging about til then. Hopefully get something sorted then so I can be fit for work.

Will I still have to sign on for my JSA? or get the other benefits?

Dunroamin

scottishstudent91 wrote: »

Yes, that was me. I went to JSA and they've given me the benefits so I guess i'm allowed to get them as I answered all the questions honestly.

That's a brave (!) statement!

scottishstudent91

Dunroamin wrote: »

That's a brave (!) statement!

What do you mean? I was advised to go on JSA but I wasn't sure if I was eligible to do so. I filled in the application online, went to an interview and they said I was to get £56.25 a week? Have I done something wrong?