Applying for ESA and getting a Fit Note

Hi

I am just looking into applying for ESA and read that I will need a Fit Note to start the process. I've actually not been able to work for about 5 years, was self-employed before that, and as my hubby had a decent income and we had plenty of savings, I assumed I wouldn't be eligible for benefits. Unfortunately it's becoming very clear that I'm not likely to be able to start working again as far as we can see. Also hubby's employer went bust and he was out of work for a year, he finally got a lower level lower paid job, so our financial position is not as secure, though we are still fortunately comfortable at the moment. I thought I'd give ESA a try for the contributory benefit as I've actually kept up my NI contributions all this time. I haven't ever asked for a Fit Note though. Is there anything I should be aware of about getting one? My drs aren't really that involved with my illness, Fibromyalgia, as I'm at the stage where I just have to get on with managing it, and there's no one dr with responsibility for my care. I'm just hoping I don't have to convince them why I need a Fit Note!!

Thanks

Hi Gordon

Thanks for your reply. I just checked the govt website and Class 2 self-employed do count but not Class 3 so I need to check which I've been paying. I think, certainly until last tax year, I asked the HMRC to still count me as self-employed on my tax returns as I kept hoping I would be able to do some work and didn't want to have to set things up again.

Yes I suspect I'll either be pleasantly surprised by the GP or have to go through all my history yet again, because of course I look well....

Anyway, many thanks as at least if I'm not paying the correct one you've saved me a lot of pointless work!

Just thought I'd report back to say I've checked my tax returns and I have been paying Class 2 NI Contributions voluntarily. So hopefully that means it's at least worth my applying.

Thanks. Yes I’ve paid a full year’s NI Class 2 contribution every year since I went self-employed and up to and including the last tax year, so I should be covered