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Indefinite Fit Note rejected-pls help (deadline)
- parmaviolets
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3 years 2 months ago #266352 by parmaviolets
Indefinite Fit Note rejected-pls help (deadline) was created by parmaviolets
Hi, writing for a friend who is extremely anxious and urgently needs advice please re rejected Fit Note, etc.
Has had disabling conditions for numerous years preventing work. Was in ESA Support Group long-term.
Their ESA was stopped as DWP claimed they didn't attend a medical appointment (even though they didn't receive an appointment letter or know about any appointment).
Long story short, has had to recently claim UC (with a 6 mth Fit Note which was accepted).
I believe they should have automatically been sent a UC50 Form but they never received one and has had to repeatedly chase one to be sent.
Then new Fit Note was needed.
Doctor supplied new Fit Note which stated "Indefinite" on it (friend has UI&FI and numerous physical/mental disabilities, some with no cure).
Submitted new Fit Note (system showed it had been submitted).
But, latterly Work Coach stated we don't accept Indefinite Fit Notes (with no explanation).
No point asking Work Coach why, as Work Coach has failed to answer, and ignored, previous questions asked.
Friend has only recently received the UC50 Form but the Work Coach is expecting them to go to meetings at the Job Centre even though when they went to First Commitments appointment the person turned off looking for work and Work Related Activity / Work Commitments.
(Also they clearly can't work, and have an Indefinite Fit Note).
I was recently informed of this GP Guidance booklet, issued by the DWP:
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/governm...-guidance-jan-14.pdf
where it states:
"In the first six months of a patient’s condition, a fit note can cover a maximum of three months. If a condition has lasted longer than six months, a fit note can be for any clinically appropriate period up to ‘an indefinite period’. "
Friends' conditions are long-term - over six months.
Please would someone kindly advise, as they are on a deadline as GP only works part-time.
Also, I would be grateful to know how they can change their Work Coach as the Work Coach is causing them immeasurable amounts of stress, anxiety and pain, and making their health even worse.
Thankyou.
Has had disabling conditions for numerous years preventing work. Was in ESA Support Group long-term.
Their ESA was stopped as DWP claimed they didn't attend a medical appointment (even though they didn't receive an appointment letter or know about any appointment).
Long story short, has had to recently claim UC (with a 6 mth Fit Note which was accepted).
I believe they should have automatically been sent a UC50 Form but they never received one and has had to repeatedly chase one to be sent.
Then new Fit Note was needed.
Doctor supplied new Fit Note which stated "Indefinite" on it (friend has UI&FI and numerous physical/mental disabilities, some with no cure).
Submitted new Fit Note (system showed it had been submitted).
But, latterly Work Coach stated we don't accept Indefinite Fit Notes (with no explanation).
No point asking Work Coach why, as Work Coach has failed to answer, and ignored, previous questions asked.
Friend has only recently received the UC50 Form but the Work Coach is expecting them to go to meetings at the Job Centre even though when they went to First Commitments appointment the person turned off looking for work and Work Related Activity / Work Commitments.
(Also they clearly can't work, and have an Indefinite Fit Note).
I was recently informed of this GP Guidance booklet, issued by the DWP:
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/governm...-guidance-jan-14.pdf
where it states:
"In the first six months of a patient’s condition, a fit note can cover a maximum of three months. If a condition has lasted longer than six months, a fit note can be for any clinically appropriate period up to ‘an indefinite period’. "
Friends' conditions are long-term - over six months.
Please would someone kindly advise, as they are on a deadline as GP only works part-time.
Also, I would be grateful to know how they can change their Work Coach as the Work Coach is causing them immeasurable amounts of stress, anxiety and pain, and making their health even worse.
Thankyou.
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- BIS
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3 years 2 months ago #266396 by BIS
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by BIS on topic Indefinite Fit Note rejected-pls help (deadline)
Hi Parmaviolets
I can't be terribly helpful here, but the Work Coach must have a supervisor and I would escalate your friend's case to them. Obviously, the Work Coach themselves is not replying to anything your friend has put, so you will have to try and do this by phone and ask what other information they need from the GP. You can also quote as you have done so from the government guidance. I would also put in a request for a change of coach at that time. If they don't agree your friend can always put in a formal complaint.
The other thing I would recommend is for your friend to involve their MP, although you will have to do this quickly as they will all be disappearing on holiday. Some MP's have been great in making the Job Centre or the DWP see sense.
BIS
I can't be terribly helpful here, but the Work Coach must have a supervisor and I would escalate your friend's case to them. Obviously, the Work Coach themselves is not replying to anything your friend has put, so you will have to try and do this by phone and ask what other information they need from the GP. You can also quote as you have done so from the government guidance. I would also put in a request for a change of coach at that time. If they don't agree your friend can always put in a formal complaint.
The other thing I would recommend is for your friend to involve their MP, although you will have to do this quickly as they will all be disappearing on holiday. Some MP's have been great in making the Job Centre or the DWP see sense.
BIS
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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