Illness Benefit- late application

Hi, I've been off work a couple of weeks and likely to be off for some time due to stress and related physical symptoms.

My head has been all over the place and I'm only now starting application for Illness Benefit...

I just read that the claim should be made on first day. However a DSP video mentioned that if the doctors cert is older than 7 days I can outline reason for late claim.. any one know can I just say I was too unwell? I'm on Concerta as well and I'm AuDHD , should I give that level of detail?
Is this GP cert called MED1? I have a note for work but is this some other document?
Should I ask my GP to submit it online or get a copy so I can provide it in my application?
Does GP need to submit something each week then?

Sorry for all the questions! I'm usually much better at researching stuff but this is peaking my anxiety at the minute

I'm not even sure if I should submit my application now or just wait til I get whatever cert is needed from GP.

Would greatly appreciate any pointers. Thank you so much

Scroll down to the relevant section "How to apply for Illness Benefit" here:-

Dont worry about timing, just apply now and put down an explanation relating to the nature of your illness.

Was very unwell earlier in year and required major surgery. Didn't apply for 6 weeks and explained on application that this was first opportunity to do so.

(Had never used this before as never missed any days in 32 years working) so expected the Spanish inquisition due to me applying so late but it was processed quickly and efficiently.

Upload a copy of relevant Doctor certs for the period in question.

For subsequent certs the GPs staff send on relevant certs to DSW.

Just do your best to apply with as much info as you have, there is no need to go into additional medical detail, just say you were too unwell to complete the form earlier.

My husband got into a right muddle when applying for illness benefit last year as his uploaded documents kept being rejected. But with some too and fro, and posting documents he got it sorted. His entitlement to the illness benefit was never threatened, he just needed to get his paperwork sorted and when that happened it it was all backdated.

So the main thing is just to apply and if something is done incorrectly you can sort it, the staff want to help, so will their best.

Ok thank you so much, really appreciate the feedback.
I'll put in the application today and I'm going to drop over to GP surgery to ask about the cert the doctor needs to submit but sounds like main thing is to get the application in.

So an update here in case anyone needs this info in the future.
Steps I took:
1- went to GP surgery and they submitted the info electronically from start date (few weeks ago) to end date of latest sick cert
2. I then submitted an application via my gov

I've already been approved. However apparently illness benefit is not paid for first 3 days of claim. Employer will not cover this as I've already been on sick leave 5 days throughout this year.

I've to get HP to submit another cert (if I'm stating out on leave) by a set date. However this is not weekly.

dubdub123 said:

I've to get HP to submit another cert (if I'm stating out on leave) by a set date. However this is not weekly.

Click to expand...

This doesn't seem to make sense (due to typos?) - maybe you can clarify?

ClubMan said:

This doesn't seem to make sense (due to typos?) - maybe you can clarify?

Click to expand...

Sorry yeah reading that back now.. basically GP office submitted cert electronically to cover a number of weeks, and if I am off after that date, GP will need to submit cert again
Just calling it out as some info I read stated that the cert is to be sent weekly, but that's not the case (for me anyhow).

dubdub123 said:

Just calling it out as some info I read stated that the cert is to be sent weekly, but that's not the case (for me anyhow).

Click to expand...

In my experience it's monthly or sometimes less frequently. I had both monthly ones and three monthly ones sent by my GP at different times and for no obvious reason for the longer ones (other than that I was definitely going to continue to be unfit for work for that length of time). I was happier with the latter as it meant that I didn't have to pay the GP €25 every month for a new cert.