Contribution JSA & Sickness

Just_caring

I have been claiming contribution based JSA for 2 months but due to family pressures I have been to the doctors today and she has given me medication for depression and to help me sleep, she said if I need a sick note she will give me one, I am due to sign on this Wednesday but due to how I am feeling have not been actively looking for work the past couple of weeks and I am unsure of what will happen next, any advise would be appreciated.

Thank You

rogerblack

You will probably need to claim ESA.
I'm not sure exactly how long you can claim JSA for being ill, but it's not long.
If you are sanctioned JSA, I believe it may be possible to claim backdated ESA to cover the period, if your doctor will provide a backdated note.
ESA requires little more than a doctors note, and a phone call to make the initial claim.
Then you need to fill in a form, and after 13 weeks, you get assessed.
If you pass, you get put onto ESA longer-term.