Getting a fit note - Possible sticking point.

Hi there.

I recently saw my Dr regarding my epilepsy, which has worsened recently. Although an appointment was made for me to see a neurologist, I then mentioned needing a fit note as I'm hoping to make a claim for ESA (as the seizures are affecting my work considerably).

The Dr mentioned that they would wait upon the specialist's report. But here lies the issue: I cannot make an initial claim for ESA without a fit note. Also, to make matters worse, appointments for said specialists tend to take awhile.

Is it worth make a claim now to get the ball rolling, and then hope that another GP will provide a fit note that I can send in later on?

Hi Rockman and welcome to the forum.

As this is your first post I am going to assume that you are also new to the site, if this is the case you might find this link helps you find your way around.

Welcome to Benefits and Work

I'm afraid that you will need to submit a sicknote/fitnote very early in the application process. Maybe a different doctor in the practice would be prepared to discuss this with you?

Like Mrs H said you do need to send in an fit note when you start the claim. Also if you are getting a fit note at some point in the future after seeing a specialist you would have to have it backdated to the point where you started the claim.

Thanks for your replies.

I will call the surgery and make an appt with another GP.

I wasn't aware this this can also be backdated, but good to know.

RM.

Not all doctors will agree to back date a fit note so I wouldn't rely on it.