JSA with sick note before ESA?

Hi

It's over a year ago since I lost my appeal to claim ESA, I haven't been working or claiming anything since.

I've decided to claim ESA again and this time I'll try and get the supporting evidence to support my claim, I think that's where I went wrong last time. The first time I claimed ESA 5 or 6 year's ago they awarded me ESA without having any supporting evidence, it appears that thing's have changed for the worst with so many obstacles in the way now!!!

I've had chronic fatigue syndrome for over 10 year's now, I stopped attending the CFS clinic at my local hospital as a result of ongoing problems with depression, the therapist said I could leave and return when I felt comfortable to do so. To be honest the assistance they gave wasn't doing much to help, they teach you about pacing yourself which I was already familiar with. But I'm considering returning the centre in the hope they can support my claim for ESA.

Obviously I would think I would have to attend the CFS for some time before I can apply for ESA so they have the time required to assess my condition and support my claim for ESA?

It's a couple of year's now since I learnt on here that a way to get some money in the meantime would be to claim JSA but immediately after being awarded this I could submit a sick note.

Is this still the case, it just doesn't seem the correct thing to do? Would this hinder in some way the subsequent claim for ESA?

Thanks very much!!!

Thanks Gordon for replying, I am in a Universal Credit Full Service area.

So I would have to notify the DWP that I am Unfit for Work and wish to be assessed for Limited Capability for Work.

If I had been claiming ESA I think they would've sent me ESA50 shortly after making the claim where I would have to answer questions regarding my capability for work, but I would also have to include supporting evidence.

So if I apply for UC I would assume that I would receive a similar form soon after with a date by which in needs to be returned where they'll also require evidence to support my claim? I just don't want to be making a claim and receive such a form when I don't have the supporting evidence that I need. For instance, I could put in a claim for UC then contact the ME clinic only be given an appointment in 6 week's time!!

I'm just thinking I should attend the ME clinic for a few week's so they can assess my condition then put in a claim for UC.

I have no idea how these things work now Gordon, any advice would be much appreciated.

Gordon.

If I put in a fit note at what stage would I do that, do I claim UC and when it's awarded do I then give them the fit note? It doesn't seem right to say that I'm fit for work and then give them a fit note immediately after the UC is awarded?

Do I claim UC and at the same time give them a fit note, how long can I receive UC whilst asking my doctor for fit notes before they'll give me a UC50 form where I'll need to provide eveidence to support my claim?

Sorry for so many questions.

Sorry to ask again Gordon.

If I obtain fit notes from the doctor how long can I keep putting them in before they'll issue a UC50?

Thanks