ESA

Hello. I am on ESA and DLA and have been for a few years now. My health problem is mental health. It has been getting worse over more recent years and in 2009 I made a very serious suicide attempt. Everyday starts with thoughts of making another attempt. My current "sick note" is due to run out and I am even terrified to go to the doctor surgery for a new one, in case they do not issue. I do not know what to do, so this heightens my already worsening situation. Sorry to trouble you with this request for help, I know you must all be in similar or worse situations but I could do with some help. Thanks, em

Hi em,

If you are currently in receipt of ESA in The WRAG or Support Group, (SG), you should not have to provide fit notes.

You would have to continue to provide fit notes to receive ESA Assessment Rate if you were appealing an ESA fit for work decision, or with a fresh claim for ESA in the assessment phase, is that the case ?

bro58

em wrote: Hello. I am on ESA and DLA and have been for a few years now. My health problem is mental health. It has been getting worse over more recent years and in 2009 I made a very serious suicide attempt. Everyday starts with thoughts of making another attempt. My current "sick note" is due to run out and I am even terrified to go to the doctor surgery for a new one, in case they do not issue. I do not know what to do, so this heightens my already worsening situation. Sorry to trouble you with this request for help, I know you must all be in similar or worse situations but I could do with some help. Thanks, em

Does your doctor do phone consultations? that may be one way of getting around actually visiting the surgery.

Hi bro58. I think I am in Work Capability but every day is getting worse. Chronic tiredness, lethargy, not sleeping. Really do not know how to deal with doctor appointment. Thanks, em

First of all check with the jobcentre that they definitely need a doctors note. If not you don't have to worry although you may still want to go to explain how you are feeling. If you do not get on with your doctor you can always see a different doctor at the surgery and may wish to speak to the practice manager. You also have the option to change surgeries but you will want to check there is another one in your catchment area taking new patients. If you have trouble explaining how you feel then you might want to try making notes to refer to in an appointment. You may want to get someone to go with you to the doctor like a friend or relative. If you do not have anyone you might be able to find a local organisation who could organize an advocate for you.