Sick note length and UC50 form

feeky1973

Hello a family member receives UC and has just been signed off by GP with a sick note for mental health issues (duration is of note is 8 weeks).  The issues are long term and they are seeking a diagnosis but htis may take sometime process/appointment wise, so should we request UC50 now or wait until sick note ends? Or request another sick not from GP.  Thank you

poppy123456

They should report the health condition onto their journal and then send the fit note. This should then prompt the work capability assessment referral in about 29 days (some wait longer) they will then be sent the UC50 for to fill in and return.

They will need to continue to send the fit notes and make sure there's no gaps until a decision's been made on the work capability assessment.

feeky1973

ah thanks. They went ahead submitted the not fit for work note and requested a UC50form today before I could tell them this.  So I guess from what you say it wont come until after the 29th day then. GP is very supportive so hopefully he'll be able to issue another FFW note when needed. Thanks again.

calcotti

The UC50 should be issued on day 29 (unless they have weekly earnings of more than 16 x NMW and are not receiving a disability benefit in which case a WCA referral will not be made) unless they have cancer or some other medical conditions in which case it should be issued on day1.