13 Week Fit Note

K wrote: Hi,
My husband put in his MR 2 weeks ago for ESA [received 0 points from being in the support group]
He had to apply for JSA while we are doing the MR or if need be go to a tribunal, he really isn't fit health wise for work, but has been told once he receive his first JSA payment he can submit a 13 week fit note. Is this correct ?

Yes, once his JSA claim is accepted and in payment he can submit a Fit Note and be excused from his claimant commitment. To be clear, he must declare himself to be Fit for Work or his JSA claim will be rejected, this does not limit his ability to then submit a Fit Note.

If he goes on to appeal then he can claim the ESA assessment rate providing this was his first Fit for Work Decision or the first since an award.

Does he have an award of PIP or DLA, if he does then he can receive the Disability Premium as part of his JSA but this is not payable with ESA so he might receive less but will of course will not have to seek work once he has had his 13 weeks.

Gordon

K wrote: Hello my husband just took his Fit Note to the Job Centre Plus and they wouldn't accept it, does it have to be for a different ailment ? the doctor has put down his existing condition

What were there reasons for the refusal?

Gordon