Understanding a fit note for UC

NewTime

Hello I recently added to my journal that I have got a fit note from my Doctor from 07/01.

They accepted it without asking for proof of it and I am not sure what happens next? I have Autism and don't really know how it affects my current claim for UC? Will a process be started to go on a WCA?

Also, I was hoping that the doctor would have ticked the box of 'you are not fit for work' but instead ticked the box of "you maybe fit for work taking account of the following advice"

I am just confused as to what happens next and so on. I also seem to still be having appointments for UC, which I thought maybe stop.

Thanks

OverlyAnxious

Hi,

If you were sent a link to add a fit note through the to-do list, then you must already have started the health journey.

That means you're now waiting for the UC50 forms to be posted to you. That is the first step to a WCA.

At the moment, you will still be classed as a Job Seeker, so that is why you are still being asked to attend Work Focussed appointments. If it is obvious that you cannot work then the Work Coach has the discretion to turn off the appointments while waiting for the WCA, but it sounds like your GP has not helped in this case by ticking the 'maybe fit' box.

Mary_Scope

Hi @NewTime

Here is some information on the Work Capability Assessment that I hope will be helpful and ease any concerns you have over it😊

NewTime

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1096280#Comment_1096280

I haven't been sent a link to add the fit note, but I just said I had one and it has been accepted.

I really am unsure what happens now.

OverlyAnxious

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1096411#Comment_1096411

Ok, in this case maybe it would be best if you send a journal message to ask whether the UC50 forms have been posted out to you yet.

NewTime

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1096473#Comment_1096473

I sent a journal message to ask and all they have told me is that the fit note is there, but I haven;t uploaded one to the system. I asked for more information but I didn't get any.

I have now asked about the UC50. if I added the fite note on 8th January, should it already be here?

OverlyAnxious

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1096625#Comment_1096625

Unfortunately many of the UC staff aren't the most efficient. I've also sent questions to them that have never been answered.

Let's just see whether they answer the question about the UC50 forms before going any further. 🙂

Biblioklept

How long was the fit note for? Someone needs to be 'sick' or off work for 30 or more days to be referred for a WCA and sent a UC50. Sometimes if the fit note is for more than 30 days on the first note they will refer straight away but others wait until the 30 days are past.

How long was your note for @NewTime??

NewTime

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1096666#Comment_1096666

Hi, this was my first fit note and it is for 4 weeks - the doctor has said he is happy to provide another one

Rachel_Scope

Hi @NewTime just to add to what Biblioklept has said, I found this information:

"If your health condition or disability limits how much work you can do for longer than 28 days you may need to have a Work Capability Assessment (WCA). The WCA is used to find out how much your health condition or disability affects your ability to work. It assesses what you can do, as well as what you cannot do."

They'll send you a reminder before your current fit note expires so you can get another one if you're still unable to work. They'll get you to complete a Work Capability Assessment which involves completing a WCA50 health questionnaire and gathering medical evidence to support your claim.

Until a decision can be made on your Work Capability Assessment, you’ll either:

• get the standard allowance, if you’re making a new claim 
• continue getting the same Universal Credit amount, if you’re reporting a change of circumstances

I hope this helps.

Biblioklept

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1096944#Comment_1096944

You'll need a longer one or another one as soon as this one ends for them to refer you for a UC50 and WCA xx

NewTime

Thanks for all the help regarding this.

Just a question, am I able to get another fit note one or two days before the current one expires? and if I go one/two days after it expires to get a new one, will it matter?

Thanks

Kimi87

Yes you can submit a new fit note before your current one ends.

It's really important to submit them without any breaks - it's the date they are given to UC that counts, not the start date written on them.

If you are awarded LCWRA then this has a waiting period of three full assessment periods before LCWRA is added into payment. No money is paid or subsequently owed for that period.

So no gaps means the start of your waiting period won't be delayed.