Do you need a GP's note to start ESA application?

cc120 wrote: I've have come across this a few times. Do I need a GP's note or do I just fill in the ESA forms and hope that my GP fills in the forms she receives in my favour?

bro58 wrote:

cc120 wrote: I've have come across this a few times. Do I need a GP's note or do I just fill in the ESA forms and hope that my GP fills in the forms she receives in my favour?

Hi cc120,

You most definitely need a current fit note (Medical Certificate) from your G.P. to make a fresh ESA Claim !!

How to Claim ESA. Gov.UK.

You should also have a read through our : ESA Claims Guides and our : ESA FAQ’s

bro58

Gordon wrote:

cc120 wrote: Thank you bro58, didn't receive a notification for this reply, and have only just checked back.
Thank you for the links, I see that a hospital doctor can give a fit note also, does this mean a specialist/consultant can?

I believe that they can but may not want to, you need to maintain an active Fit Note until a Decision is made on your claim which may take some time. During the first six months of a period of illness you cannot have an FN of more than 3 months, so you will need to renew it at least once which it is more likely to be done by your GP than a consultant.

Gordon