Help With Income Support Please?

Former Member

I sent off a claim to the job centre about claiming income support. They also told me that I needed a medical certificate from my doctor. I told them that this wasn't possible until October 26th. They basically said 'oh well, try and get another appointment'.:rolleyes: (this was the earliest possible) They wrote to me this morning telling me that I was only entitled from September 3rd to the 9th.

What do I do now? I'm thinking of going down there and talking to someone. They already knew it wasn't possible for me to get a medical certifiate, so why have they just paid me one weeks' worth?

I phoned up the job cnetre today and they absically said 'you could go on JSA and we'll help you find a job' - judging by what's wrong with me and the fact that I'm not allowed to drive (due to a medical condition) that's going to be hard; and I'm not the only one who has said that.

Former Member

Melian wrote: »

They also told me that I needed a medical certificate from my doctor. I told them that this wasn't possible until October 26th.

26th October? Are you having a laugh?! If that's a 'specialist' then fair enough but your GP can give you the necessary paperwork. If you can't get an appointment at your GP surgery before next month then it must have closed!

Former Member

You should be able to get a MED3 before then, go and play hell with your doctor, but without medical evidence showing that you are incapable of work you will not receive income support. You've been entitled to it for the days you can self-certify.

If your doctor really won't give you the MED3 then you might need to make a claim for income-based JSA; it's the same amount anyway.

Former Member

BumbleBee wrote: »

26th October? Are you having a laugh?! If that's a 'specialist' then fair enough but your GP can give you the necessary paperwork. If you can't get an appointment at your GP surgery before next month then it must have closed!

I'm not having a laugh. I can see a doctor, but not the CPN before the 26th.

My doctor doesn't know what's wrong with me, so it won't be possible to give me a note before I see the CPN.

Former Member

But the fact that he's referred you to a CPN should be enough for him to sign you off work for a bit with depression or stress, or some other vague term to do with mental health.

Get him to do the MED3, because you won't get paid IS until you provide it. The IS can be backdated in some circumstances, but it's important that you get paid.

If you don't ask the doctor for the sicknote then you can't claim income support on the basis of incapacity for work. Your choice.

Former Member

A CPN can't give you a sick note, it has to be a doctor. AFAIK

Former Member

Kermit wrote: »

But the fact that he's referred you to a CPN should be enough for him to sign you off work for a bit with depression or stress, or some other vague term to do with mental health.

I'll mention this on Monday when I see the doctor.

Also, I'm registered as disabled (partially sighted) so am I more like to get it? I can't remember whether I mentioned this (apart from not being allowed to drive and having hand-eye co-ordination problems) when I filled the form in.

Former Member

Even if you're disabled it doesn't mean that you are incapable of work, and usually the DWP need to see evidence of your incapacity for work in order to pay income support on the grounds of incapacity for work.

If you are disabled, though, you should consider making an application for disability living allowance. The form is a pain in the arse but don't let that put you off; most CABs will be happy to help you fill it in.

Former Member

Your CPN won't give you a sick note, it has to be your GP.

Former Member

My GP has refused to give me one until I see the CPN. Even if I didn't have the mental health issues I have, I still wouldn't be able to work due to constant neck pain.

Former Member

Then you need to be arguing the toss with your doctor about it.

Without the MED3 you are not incapable of work, and you will not receive income support on the basis of being incapable of work.

Former Member

I think I'm going to have to another appointment with another doctor and see what they say.

If I did go on to JSA (which is currently unlikely) what happens with holidays?

Former Member

With holidays, generally you book them around your signing on days, so they need never know you were away! You can be away for a short time, I'd have to check the exact rules, but generally you are expected to be actively seeking work for at least 40 hours per week.