ESA Medical Certificate

Hello

Does anyone know how long DWP give you to send in a sick note before they close your claim?

I’m still in assessment phase of CB ESA so I still have to send in sick notes. My sick note ran out today. I contacted GP Surgery who said my request will be dealt with on Monday when my GP is next in and they won’t budge on this.

I then received a letter today from DWP dated 12/8/21 advising me to send sick note in by 20/8/21 or my payments will stop.

My surgery will not deal with my request until 23/8/21 so I’m worried DWP will close the claim.

Will DWP close my claim before I’ve had a chance to get another sick note or is there a few days grace period?

Thank you
Karen

Hi Karen,

I second what Catherine has said. When you do see your GP, ask them to back date your sick note from the 18th (the day it ran out) they should have no problem doing so seen as you couldn’t be seen on that date, therefore when you do send it in there are no gaps between notes being submitted.

Thank you for your replies and advice.

I plucked up the courage and rang DWP following your suggestion. They reassured me that as long as the med cert arrived before my next benefit payment day then there shouldn’t be a problem. He.also said they could accept a gap in certs up to 10 days but I will do as suggested and ask GP to backdate the gap just in case!

Thankyou for all your helpful advice