I'm scared !!

C

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Your GP will need to see you in order for them to issue a Fit Note, If they issue one then it will either certify you as Unfit for Work or place restrictions on your working and why, it doesn't matter which the DWP just require the Fit Note.

Once you have a Fit Note then you can make a claim for ESA, you will need to maintain an active Fit Note until a Decision on your claim is made.

ESA is not awarded because the claimants has a particular condition you will need to show that your Arthritis or other conditions prevent you from completing the ESA activities that you will tested against. Have a look at our ESA Claim guides for more information.

www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/help-for-claimants/esa1

Gordon

Kerdan2006 wrote: Thanks for your reply , can I ask for a long term fit note ? What's the maximum time you can get one for ?
Thanks

It will obviously depend on what your GP is prepared to put on the Fit Note but the DWP will not accept a Fit Note for more than three months in the first six months of a claim.

Gordon

Kerdan2006 wrote: Sorry I realise that this isn't really the place to post emotional feelings .
I've never been ill in my life before now , never claimed any disability benefits before ,I have to admit I'm rather frightened of the whole process .Its 2.12 am and I cannot sleep for all this gobbildy gook spinning in my head ,only just digesting my arthritis diagnosis let alone ESA,pip etc .If I could afford to take care of myself I wouldn't bother even applying
Guess I'll just have to take it one step at a time ,doctors next week for a fit note then the initial call to job centre to apply for esa .Hopefully you guys will help me with the next step after that ?
Sorry for my waffling , better try and sleep now
Thank you x

It's not uncommon to be anxious about the process, you appear to have had a recent diagnosis that is having a major impact on your life and are being forced to confront it because of your benefit claims before you are ready to do so. It will get better, but I can't guarantee that you will be free of it, benefit claims bring their own anxiety.

Gordon