Contribution based ESA - do I need a fit note?

mazza1985

I get DLA and I'm starting uni in September. Do I need a fit/sick note from GP to claim?

bitsandpieces

A successful DLA claim isn't generally sufficient to show ESA entitlement (you can claim DLA while being quite well enough to work). You'll likely need a fit note, but depends a bit on your individual circumstances - can you get a CAB or support organisation to help with your claim?

Torry_Quine

You will definitely need a fit-note to start a claim for ESA.

After approx 13 weeks you will have to complete an ESA50 and may need a face-to-face 'medical' to determine your eligibility and which group you go into.

bitsandpieces

Torry_Quine wrote: »

You will definitely need a fit-note to start a claim for ESA.

After approx 13 weeks you will have to complete an ESA50 and may need a face-to-face 'medical' to determine your eligibility and which group you go into.

I thought there were some limited exceptions (e.g. for terminally ill people claiming through the DS1500 form, though hopefully this doesn't apply to the OP).

mazza1985

Students in higher education are presumed to have limited capability for work if in receipt of DLA. They have to fill in ESA 50 to determine whether they are placed in support group or WRAG, but they will not be found fit for work as they are presumed to have limited capability for work.

Because I am already presumed to have limited capability for work whilst in higher education, and therefore already have an underlying entitlement to ESA, can somebody tell me if I need to submit a fit note when I put in a claim?

bitsandpieces

Ah - could your university advice centre give you any info on this?

mazza1985

My uni have been useless :-/