No fit note for UC

[Only3toes]

Hi I'm new on here and I'm having some problems claiming UC for my daughter. She's 19 and not claimed work related benefits before as she stayed at school till 19. She is severe autism, has limited understanding of the world around her and severe learning difficulties. I took her for her work coach interview and they took one look at her and switched off her work search duties told me not to worry just report a fit note from the GP and just wait for the work capability assessment further down the line. And that's where it stops because my GP will not give her a fit note, and I mean will not even now discuss a fit note. He's folded his arms and said no.He says the UC have to contact the gp first , the UC say that's a load of baloney. And well,her work commitments can't stay switched off forever. I'm now getting worried and have not got a clue who to turn to. BTW I already know fit notes are discretionary but knowing that is not helping my girl. Please does anyone know what I can do?

[Jofisher]

One I would change your doctor and go through the complaints procedure at the surgery and or the patient advice liaison service. You could get an advocate for your daughter and they could help you and your daughter. My son is on Personal Independent payment to and employment support allowance so your daughter is surely entitled to the same. There’s also the Mencap helpline they may also be able to advise you good luck.

[Juggler66 in reply to Jofisher]

You can’t claim ESA any more as it’s universal credit now x

[Only3toes in reply to Jofisher]

Hi, thanks for the reply I'm looking for an advocate now, hopefully that will help

[Juggler66]

Is there another GP in the practice you can go to?I had this problem to begin with but was a couple of years ago. I printed off the guide from contact a family and took it to the GP’s to basically prove that what I was saying was correct.

If you can’t do that or it doesn’t work, is there another GP practice that you can register with. You could maybe try and complain through the GP complaint procedure and see if that works.

Sorry, that’s all I can think of. Good luck x

[Hidden]

Get another doctor specialising in autism or special needs or disabled

[BenjiB in reply to Hidden]

I’m not sure there are any GP’s who specialise.

[Bluey203]

The doctor obviously has no understanding of universal credit. I applied for the sick note online through the surgery website and asked for it to be written for 3 months, and wrote the reason it was required that my son had severe autism, severe learning disability, non verbal. You can see any doctor in your surgery, I would also make a written complaint to the practice manager about the doctor you spoke to and his attitude, absolutely disgusting.

[Only3toes in reply to Bluey203]

The description of your son sounds like my daughter! I'd see another GP at the practise but apparently I can't! I think it's just a bad practice really ☹️

[BenjiB]

My sons doctor issued these with no problem when I claimed for my son. He issued the first one for a month and then one more for 3 months. Once a decision has been made by UC your doctor won’t have to do it anymore. He’s wrong and UC are right.

My son is severely autistic with severe learning disabilities. He gets PIP, enhanced for both and UC at the highest rate (LCWRA) . Initially he got a basic amount and after the decision was made that he’d never have to look for work he got the higher rate.

I’d make a complaint or change doctor.

[Kissmyxxxx]

I've just experienced the same thing!