Universal credit and sick notes

katie2217

Hi, been suffering with anxiety and depression since January, where I can't get out of bed etc. 

Been on universal credit since June, and my fit note runs out on 24th July but when trying to get a new one today my practice told me my GP is on holiday until 26th so I can't get a note until then 

I've wrote a message about this in my journal just now asking if that will be ok, but probably won't get a message until Monday since it's Saturday, and my anxiety is going to kill me all weekend if I don't get some sort of reassurance. 

Will it be fine to not have a fit note from 24th until 26th July while I wait for my GP to come back from holiday, and I've explained it to my work coach? 

Btw I have filled in my limited capability for work questionaire just waiting to hear back from them that's why I still have to provide fit notes 

bg844

You don't need to worry, ask the GP to backdate by those couple of days so there's no gaps and it'll be just fine. From memory, I think it's 7 days extra UC give you to send a repeat fit note.

Adrian_Scope

Good morning @katie2217 and a warm welcome to the community.  

As you've mentioned, fit notes are meant to be submitted without gaps between them. If there are gaps it can impact referral and possibly the backdating of any decisions.

As you have a GP appointment scheduled for the 26th, it might be helpful to ask whether they can backdate the fit note to the end date of your last one. This way, you'll be covered for those intervening days without a fit note and can submit it to UC on the 26th. 

Let me know if you have any questions or need further clarification.

katie2217

Thanks both, I was planning to ask them to backdate, I just was nervous that universal credit would suddenly stop my payment if I didn't provide the note without gaps, but this won't happen as long as I've kept my work coach up to date? 

bg844

katie2217 said:

Thanks both, I was planning to ask them to backdate, I just was nervous that universal credit would suddenly stop my payment if I didn't provide the note without gaps, but this won't happen as long as I've kept my work coach up to date? 

They don't just 'stop' payments. Most people don't inform UC and just supply a backdated fit note anyway with no problems but at least you have made a note to back you up.

Try not to worry too much and submit when you have it, enjoy your weekend.

katie2217

Sorry I don't know how to directly reply but thank you!! I'm really new to universal credit didn't apply for it for a while after I quit my job in January due to really bad depression and anxiety I was worried it would be a struggle but it's been okay so far my work coach is really nice. I was worried I would get an automatic sanction if I didn't provide a note on the 25th! And my anxiety makes me overthink small things like this a million times over 

bg844

No worries. If you have any more questions on the system, please do ask and someone will reply. 

To add, if you haven't already, it may also be worth seeing if you are potentially eligible for PIP if you are struggling.

See: https://www.gov.uk/pip
and:https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/

katie2217

Thanks again, I looked at pip but since my depression and anxiety only started in January this year, I didn't think it would class as "long term" so I didn't look into it 

poppy123456

For PIP you must have been experiencing the difficulties for at least 3 months and expect them to last at least a further 9 months. This may help. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-independence-payment-assessment-guide-for-assessment-providers/pip-assessment-guide-part-2-the-assessment-criteria