Atos Healthcare

James123_2

Thanks for all the replies! To be honest, I won't fight for IB as my efforts need to be targeted elsewhere. I just wondered whether, by default, people are transferred to Atos after x amount of time or whether I should read anything into this development. If I lose IB then TC for my son will rise anyway - albeit by not the same amount as IB.
I have to say I'm gobsmacked as to how anyone can remain on IB for extended periods of time as DWP seem to be always chasing me for something.
I have an illness which could kill me fairly quickly so find the lack of common sense in the way this is administered fairly baffling.

poonum

Common sense is def one thing DWP & ATOS lack. Between them they managed to lose the letter from my GP confirming I needed a home visit for my medical. Each blaming the other. I was in limbo for 4 months until they finally decided that I didn't need to have the medical after all and my IB would continue.

James123_2

Thanks again for all the great replies. It would seem probable that my IB will continue regardless as my prognosis is deemed to be poor following a new CT last week. However, I suppose I must still be ready to do 'battle' with the System.

dmg24

James123 wrote: »

Thanks again for all the great replies. It would seem probable that my IB will continue regardless as my prognosis is deemed to be poor following a new CT last week. However, I suppose I must still be ready to do 'battle' with the System.

I think you would have an easier time if you saw it as working with the system, than battling against it.

c0113tt3

You do have to battle the system, because, the system trys to discourage from claiming such benefits, and either into work or work related benefits instead.

The most needy of such sickness benefits such as IB / ESA, have the hardest time, because they struggle to go through the process of claiming, and often give up.

Hence a "battle".

dmg24

c0113tt3 wrote: »

You do have to battle the system, because, the system trys to discourage from claiming such benefits, and either into work or work related benefits instead.

The most needy of such sickness benefits such as IB / ESA, have the hardest time, because they struggle to go through the process of claiming, and often give up.

Hence a "battle".

Why is it that nobody can show evidence of this discouragement? The system is not perfect, no one thinks it is, but it is those that make it a battle that find it difficult. If you work with the system, it is a great deal simpler.

c0113tt3

dmg24 maybe you should read more !!

I have not even gone looking or it, and came across these, of course there is much more evidence.
http://74.125.93.104/search?q=cache:Cs8otmV6qMIJ:www.citizensadvice.org.uk/45665_cab_what_the_doctor_(final).pdf+esa+atos+high+rate+dla+care&cd=7&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=uk

http://www.ombudsman.org.uk/improving_services/selected_cases/PCA/dwp_case_digest/index.html

or even here :
http://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/forum?func=showcat&catid=10

and actually read peoples experieces too, and also read how they use the information on the forms to even reduce your other benefits !!


Its a battle becuase atos and dwp get so much wrong, as for discouragement, yes systems are in place to discourage people from claiming / enquiries etc.., the current systems in place due to staffing issues make it exceptionall more difficult / problems than what and how it used to be. Another example is that atos are informed by dwp to not ask the ill health descriptors directly, because dwp claim it gives false results !! INSANE !! Instead they ask questions around them, which then produces incorrect assessments !! Meaning putting people through more crap that they can not cope with.

Nevermind, all the documented statements from james purnell to reduce claimants off incapacity etc.. who end up claiming jsa, and have not a chance in hell of obtaining work, and in many cases not even fit !! and thats from jc staff !!

As for your reason of going with the system, people can not cope with it !! and just give up !!

The civilservice / jobcentres / processing centres / call centres are all completely out of touch..

Also dmg24, for the first time, I really could have lost my cool, and called you a !!!!

James123_2

dmg24 wrote: »

I think you would have an easier time if you saw it as working with the system, than battling against it.

No, it's definitely a battle with the system. When diagnosed in 2007 I had Stage 3 cancer with involvement in 7 areas. Despite this and being on intensive chemotherapy it took nearly five months to be awarded IB.
The System is unresponsive to real need and cumbersome in its procedures. This is certainly my own experience as a novice user. There is an abject lack of common sense in its dealing with 'customers'. I don't blame those who work within the system - rather than the system itself. I'm grateful for the eventual support, but must remind myself that I did pay into this for quarter of a century without drawing a penny.

emweaver

Got a letter today to say I have to make an appointment, rang and was told only 1 is in a week. Feel really sick and anxious. Was having a good week and even managed to get myself to the post office last week but Im a b ag of nerves now

kazzah

James
i am sorry to hear of poor prognosis following your latest CT scan
I hope you are claiming Disability Living Allowance?
if your condition has worsened, you may be able to get it very easily by your Specialist ticking a box on the form
please look into this if you haven't already
and all the best with your fight against the big C