ESA muddles!

julia12

Hi folks,

I've posted here a couple of times in the past few weeks, but my situation has changed a bit now. Any help would be gratefully received!

I'm in the process of claiming ESA. I started my claim on the 12th of September this year. I moved from Edinburgh to Glasgow and I am in the process of changing doctors.

I went back to my old Edinburgh GP to ask them to supply a medical certificate. Because I hadn't seen a GP since before I made the claim for ESA, and maybe because the GP I did see a few times for my health problem had left the practice, another doctor gave a cert. lasting a month, and was unwilling to backdate it (and didn't).

I phoned the ESA gang today, and they said that I would have to get a backdated cert. if they were to pay out any money. So I've made an appointment to see the old GP again.

I admit that I've maybe been quite naive in how the whole process works, and that I should have seen the GP at the time. I was in quite a bad way, and just wanted to move.

The ESA gang on the phone today said that I should try to get the cert. backdated. I've heard that GPs aren't really supposed to do that, though, although the official guidelines for them seem to say that they could write an explanatory note. The ESA gang today suggested that I try to get the cert. backdated, and if I couldn't, then to write and explain the situation. It seemed that they weren't all that sure though.

Has anyone else been in a similar situation? The money I have is running out, and I'm not sure what the best move now is!

Thanks so much for your time,

Julia. xxx

Horseunderwater

Personally I have never had a problem getting a med3 backdated, but then I have been with this GP for years. Perhaps when you see the GP and explain it all to them as to why it is needed, then they would in these circumstances do it for you.

julia12

Thanks horseunderwater,

Thanks for replying. That gives me a bit of hope at least! It would take a lot of precious time to go through the whole process again.

HB58

In order to backdate a med 3, someone in the practice should have had contact with you during the backdated period.

julia12

Yeah, see, this is the problem. The last time I saw my GP was a while before I claimed. Oh well, I'll try and explain the situation to them and might have to start a new claim.

Technically, would it be possible to backdate the certificate to when I last saw the GP? (but not the claim). That way, the ESA lot could see that I've been having this health difficulty for some time! Just a thought.

bloolagoon

julia12 wrote: »

Yeah, see, this is the problem. The last time I saw my GP was a while before I claimed. Oh well, I'll try and explain the situation to them and might have to start a new claim.

Technically, would it be possible to backdate the certificate to when I last saw the GP? (but not the claim). That way, the ESA lot could see that I've been having this health difficulty for some time! Just a thought.

They could backdate if they have evidence from other sources (I've not read your threads), so if another medical professional has seen you recently and documented that x problems began on x date.

Sparkletoes35

I work in an advice role currently dealing with the welfare reform and anyone can go to their doctor and get a backdated medical cert if the GP has been aware of the problem from the date you are asking for and it is still an ongoing illness. You'll need to go to the doctor u are registered with at present and explain the situation but I wouldn't think they wouldn't if there was evidence of health problems. Whenever you move, u can register with a new surgery, it can take 4-6wks to get an appointment (usually with a health assistant to register formally) however if you become ill before you get your first appointment at new surgery or if you need to be getting prescriptions then the new surgery will provide this. Remember, your housing benefit and council tax might be needing looked at too during the new ESA claim.

epitome

The original doctor can backdate a med3 for you.
The other doctors in the same practice should be able to backdate the med3 because they can see your records as to when you were last seen and treated at their practice.

If you want more professional confirmation that they can do this then maybe phone NHS direct helpline and see if they can confirm this.

However having it confirmed and getting a doctor to actually do it are 2 seperate matters.


You don't have to make a new claim just yet.... you can phone ESA and request a callback when you get the callback you tell them you cannot fill the gap and you want a Decision Maker to look at this to decide if they will "allow the gap" if they can "allow the gap" you will not be paid for the gap period but you will be paid from the start of your current med cert onwards...

If you pass the WCA you will get arrears paid for the gap.

julia12

Thanks for taking the time to reply, everyone! You've all been very helpful. xxx