Medical certificate changes

Published 19 November 2007, Posted in National

Recently the Brain Injury Association Northland had a visit from Amy Walters – the new Health and disability Co-ordinator at Work & Income. Amy explained some changes that would effect people who receive a Sickness or Invalids Benefit.

Working New Zealand - Work Focused Support

This initiative is aimed at helping clients with ill-health or disabled people take part in planning for work, where this is appropriate. Work & Income can now offer more support for each person tailored to their individual circumstances.

Part of the introduction of Working New Zealand is a change to the way medical certificates are handled for people on Sickness or Invalids Benefit.  People on Sickness or Invalids Benefit will no longer receive medical certificates in the mail – instead you will receive a letter from Work & Income.

To continue the benefit you will need to make an appointment with your doctor and take the letter with you.  Your doctor will have the medical certificate forms and will fill those out – you will then need to take the forms to Work & Income.
Your doctor will determine how long that medical certificate will last.  The new medical certificate now allows a GP to either see a client in 2 years, 5 years or never depending on when the doctor would like to see them next if they require to be on an Invalids Benefit.

There is also a section on the form that looks at the possibility of training opportunities and/or employment programmes; you can discuss with your doctor if these are suitable options for you.  If you feel that you are interested in either of these options and indicate this on the form, your Work & Income Case Manager can look at ways they can assist you to meet your goals.

It is important to make sure certificates remain current.  If you have difficulties with the letter or what to do next please contact your Work & Income Case Manager.

Article courtesy of Brain Injury Association Northland.

Supporting document

WINZ_medical_certificate_changes.pdf ()