Esa

Gary1963

Due to my mental health getting worse I am leaving my job, I have an appointment with my GP to get referred to the mental health team.

What I need to know is what should I ask regarding ESA. Do I need a certificate from the doctor to get the ball rolling?

Many thanks for your help

sniggings

Yes, you need a sick note from your doctor saying you are unfit for work, you can start the claim now though and send the sick note in as soon as you get it.

When you have stopped working that is.

Torry_Quine

Yes you will need fit notes from your GP for at least the first 13 weeks. You will then have to complete an ESA50 form and may have a 'medical' to determine if you stay on it and which group you go into. You will get contribution based if sufficient NI contributions, otherwise income based which takes account of household income and savings.

Gary1963

Many thanks for your replies.

Muttleythefrog

Sorry to hear of your decline. As above.. yes... initially claiming ESA is simple enough.. link from this page
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Illorinjured/DG_171894

get continual sicknotes to cover you on ESA until you are assessed successfully for the main phase of the benefit.

General advice... try to get those MH professionals who you see to ensure you get a copy of their correspondence and assessments. You never know when they could come in useful for reference or evidence in benefit claims.

epitome

A doctor cannot back date a sick note, unless they have been seeing you all along and they agree that you have been unfit for work in the past.

As you have not had a visit to your GP yet, (assuming they refuse to backdate your sick note) you would only be able to claim ESA, 7 days prior to your GP appointment because you can verbally certify your own sickness for 7 days.

You also cannot get ESA if you get SSP from your employer, if you leave your job, that will mean no SSP so = yes to get ESA. However don't leave your job until you are sure your doctor will support you with sick notes for the next 3 months, and beyond.....if you end up having to appeal.

Gary1963

On his advise I have withdrawn my notice and have given my employer the sick note from my GP.

Gary1963

Today I received a P45 from my employer. It would appear they chose not to accept my letter to withdraw my notice and to proceed with my letter giving them notice. I can only assume they felt that they could get out of paying sick pay! As I have only worked for them just over a year I assume I do not have any legal right to fight this? The company is a well known high street brand.

PippaGirl_2

Sorry to hear that Gary. If you handed in your notice and that wasn't under duress I would think you have no right to complain in law but I understand that it is harsh of an employer. Hopefully someone will come along to advise though your question might be better in employment rights forums.

If you have left work now you will need to apply for either ESA if you and your GP feel you are not well enough to work or JSA if you feel you are. With ESA as previously said you will need to provide (un)fit notes throughout your assessment phase which can be a long time.

Gary1963

I have now posted in the employment forum.

Gary1963

I received a call today confirming that I am still employed.