Job Centre won't accept my Fit Note

Dizzy

When I was a JC+ an outreach worker told me that if a doctor will issue a fit note for a different or substantially worsened condition it is possible to make a new ESA claim even during the Mandatory Reconsideration or Appeal stage of your current claim.

Gordon, do you have a view on this?

I haven't tried it as luckily my JC+ advisor has pretty much accepted that I won't be doing any serious job searching and that I will apply to go back on ESA once the Tribunal have accepted my appeal. Maybe it 'helps' that every time I sit down with her I burst into tears. I don't know but she always has tissues ready!

Hi Gordon,

Update:

.... My JC+ Advisor is on annual leave but I managed to speak to a 'very' helpful lady at my JC+ today who told me to have my Fit Note (for 12 wks) dropped into the centre for her attention.

I was informed that only one episode, of a 12 period of sickness, would be accepted and that my Advisor will contact me on my usual signing days so that I need not attend the JC every fortnight to sign or be expected to undertake normal JC commitments. However, they would prefer it if I did still try and look for 'suitable' work.

I am hoping I will have heard about my MR (or made a miraculous recovery) before this Fit Note runs out - been 4 weeks since I submitted it now.

As always, thank you for your advice

Dizzy, it's people like your neighbour who give the genuine claimants a bad name and it should be pointed out to your local JCplus exactly what you were advised. It's the only way the system will be able to ensure genuine people like yourself get the benefits they deserve. Sadly, I'm sure everyone knows someone who is "swinging the lead" and it's so unfair for others who deserve the help.

Caiti - I have informed the relevant dept, I couldn't do nothing after the way she spoke and behaved. I agree, it's the genuine claimants that suffer because of fraudsters like my neighbour.