On JSA but too ill to work?

Uncertain

BigAunty wrote: »

In fact, one of the criticisms of GPs having a frontline role in determining who is too sick to work is that as general medical staff, they simply don't have the occupational therapy skills, nor the time, to determine what a person is capable of and the system demands that they write someone off from working for x period and leaves it to the DWP to determine if they are right or not.

Well that is an interesting spin!

Try an alternative.......

A fully qualified GP will have spent as long training as most hospital consultants. It is just that s/he has chosen to specialise in general practice. Part of that training covers occupational medicine and a significant amount is about mental health as it makes up a large part of their workload.

At a minimum that will be four years longer than the nurse or physio who conduct the majority of the ATOS assessments. It will also be at a much higher level.

The GP will also generally have seen the patient before and will have full access to their medical records. Neither is true of the ATOS "Health Care Professional".

I know who I would prefer to make decisions about somebody's fitness to work!

scottishstudent91

Hi guys, just a quick update. Went to jobseekers today and my advisor says there's no problems and I just have to phone up and my ESA will start straight away. Do I have to take a medical or anything? What will happen? I'm a bit anxious, sorry for all the questions

mynameistallulah

scottishstudent91 wrote: »

Hi guys, just a quick update. Went to jobseekers today and my advisor says there's no problems and I just have to phone up and my ESA will start straight away. Do I have to take a medical or anything? What will happen? I'm a bit anxious, sorry for all the questions

You will be called for a medical within the first thirteen weeks (although it may take longer if they are busy). Be aware that many (most?) with mild mental health difficulties fail the medical (formally known as the WCA). Then you will have the choice as to whether to appeal or go back to claiming JSA.

scottishstudent91

mynameistallulah wrote: »

You will be called for a medical within the first thirteen weeks (although it may take longer if they are busy). Be aware that many (most?) with mild mental health difficulties fail the medical (formally known as the WCA). Then you will have the choice as to whether to appeal or go back to claiming JSA.

Thanks, my sick line is only for 2 months though, does this mean that I will receive payment for this period? I'm not sure how severe my health problems are in the grand scale of things but I am seen by my GP as being too ill to work.

mynameistallulah

scottishstudent91 wrote: »

Thanks, my sick line is only for 2 months though, does this mean that I will receive payment for this period? I'm not sure how severe my health problems are in the grand scale of things but I am seen by my GP as being too ill to work.

You will receive payment until the WCA has been completed - this should be done within thirteen weeks, but can be far quicker or considerably longer.

As someone who has been in your position, try not to keep out of work for too long - it is so much more difficult to find work once you are classed as long term sick.

scottishstudent91

mynameistallulah wrote: »

You will receive payment until the WCA has been completed - this should be done within thirteen weeks, but can be far quicker or considerably longer.

As someone who has been in your position, try not to keep out of work for too long - it is so much more difficult to find work once you are classed as long term sick.

Thank you for your advice Yeah i've been withdrawn from university and running out of money but I was trying to find a job to keep myself occupied until I (hopefully) go back to uni. My GP says I should just rest for a few months until I get my psych appoint/medication that actually works. Hopefully I'll be fine to get a job soon!