How to move 'seamlessly' from JSA to ESA?

BristolGal

Hi (newbie alert!) Can anyone tell me the best way to do this? I'm due to start a chemo regime (currently set for Jan 10th but date keeps moving). I'm on Work Programme and did think I would have to wait until treatment had started before I could claim ESA. However, my GP gave me a sick-note for 1 month yesterday and said she is happy to sign me off until the treatment ends - which could be 10 months or so. Once I'm on the chemo it should be OK regarding assessments etc and hopefully it will start before the statutory 13 weeks. (I also had a mandatory, pre-treatment psychiatric assessment and the psychiatrist has written that she believes I should not currently be looking for work and is happy to send letters to that effect). Anyway - I'm signing on tomorrow, with money due next Wednesday, and I think I should show the sick-note and start the transition but the note is already 2 days old. How do I ensure that payment is continuous i.e. not delayed in some way? A JC advisor once told me the optimum time to switch so that money doesn't stop but I can't remember what he said. Will I be penalised for leaving it for 2 days? Rent is due next week and HB doesn't pay it all so I really need the JSA on time. Alternatively, would I be better off waiting until the 'optimum time' and ask GP to re-write/date the note? Massive thanks. JC appointment midday so if enyone sees this before then and can help I will be very grateful. Bristol Gal x

Parva

This sounds like a rather convoluted answer to a simple question...

In the eyes of the DWP you're either fit for work or you're not. Either continue signing-on as fit for work or claim ESA and provide sick (fit) notes to show that you are not fit for work.

BristolGal

Thank you for your reply, but I am asking when, in the timeline of fortnightly signing on and actual payment, is the best time to hand in the note in order that payment isn't halted or delayed. I shall just go ahead with it today and pray...

midnight_express

There will be a delay whatever way you do it. However, you shouldn't be claiming JSA if you aren't able to work and aren't actively seeking work.

Parva

As midnight express alluded to, there is no simple, seamless transition. If you have a sick (fit) note then get it in as soon as possible. It's highly likely that there will be disruption unfortunately, I don't think there's ever a 'good' time to switch from one benefit to the other.

epitome

IMHO the best time is as you have apparently done already, you go along to your JSA signing and say
"I want JSA to stop from tomorrow, I am going to claim ESA starting from tommorow please arrange for this day to be my last day of JSA."
You don't have to show them the sicknote.

Then you phone "new claims" that very day and claim ESA to start from the following day.
Or you phone "new claims" the next day and ask for ESA to start from that day.

Your ESA could take 3 weeks to process so there could inevitably be a delay. You don't have to wait for the statement to arrive before sending your Med cert, you can send the med cert straight away by handing it in to the Jobcentre (but I would ask the jobcentre, for a stamped photocopy before you let them take it.).