So he is probably not even claiming ESA, and just on here to talk rubbish?

Thanks again, brilliant, I will look to delay as long. I appreciate your help.

leemack - Thanks again for your help. So it seems like I could have a medical from 8 onwards.

Thanks for Clearing that up. I've known assessments be as early as 8 weeks, or as late as 6 months and anything inbetween. The med cert covers you until you get the result of the assessment. My first work focused interview was about 16 weeks in. You start on the assessment rate, you receive an ESA50 work capability assessment to complete - this can be anytime in the first 13 weeks. You send it back, the DWP may contact your GP. You receive an appointment for an atos assessment, you attend the assessment. 2-8 weeks later you get the result. At some point you have a work focused interview. Cheers leemack, thats very helpful, and full answer, very appreciated. At what week did you have the actual medical assesment at atos?

I have been on JSA© for 5 months, my doctor will give me a sick note (probably 1 month sicknote at a time) for depression/anxiety from being made redundant etc, so I can apply for a claim for ESA, I just need a few weeks without hassle for JCP staff giving me grief at the moment, I am not looking to receive a financial gain. I have a few questions: I note that the assessment phase is for the first 13 weeks, I will definately not be on ESA for longer than 13 weeks, probably more like 9-10 weeks, I do intend to find a position afer this period. 1) What is the weekly process of how the ESA works. 2) Is the initial 13 week assessment phase based on your doctors sick note (will I have to attend the jobcentre in these weeks)? 3) At how many weeks into the ESA claim will the work-focused interview with a jobcentre plus advisor happen? 4) At how many weeks into the ESA claim does the Work Capability Assessment start? 5) At how many weeks into the ESA claim will I be sent for a medical assessment? I am aware of al the standard procedures that should happen from Direct.gov website etc, I want to know peoples real life experiences to the above questions. Apologies, for the long first post, thanks in advance to any replies.