What happens in DWP phone call re: ATOS/IB/ESA

~Chameleon~

Please could somebody tell me what sort of questions the DWP ask during the initial phone call they make, prior to sending out the questionnaire about moving from IB to ESA?

Also, what is the timescale involved from phone call to receiving/returning said questionnaire and being called in by ATOS for a medical?

anibell

I don't know what said in the phone call from the DWP but I do know that you now only get 4 weeks from receiving the questionnaire to fill it in and send it back. ATOS will get you in for a medical assessment asap after the DWP have received it.

cit_k

What happens for cases where the claimaint does not usually answer a phone?

tottybum

cit_k wrote: »

What happens for cases where the claimaint does not usually answer a phone?

What gets me also, is why do people answer the telephone and then enter into a discussion with someone on the other end who they don't know?

In my opinion you should never discuss anything over the phone. Tell them to put their questions, whatever they are, in writing and you will respond accordingly.

cit_k

tottybum wrote: »

What gets me also, is why do people answer the telephone and then enter into a discussion with someone on the other end who they don't know?

In my opinion you should never discuss anything over the phone. Tell them to put their questions, whatever they are, in writing and you will respond accordingly.

Indeed, for all I know, if I did answer the phone, it could be a reporter from the Daily Mail pretending to be the DWP, or it could be the DWP, or it could be anyone...

At the very least, they should write to a claimaint first, and say is it acceptable if we ring you at a certain date/time, iplease send back the pre-paid reply slip etc with your preference (we write to you, we call you) etc.

Im not sure I could contain my temper if a decision maker rang me unexpectedly, I would be wanting to know if they had been involved in my previous cases that were overturned at tribunal, and if so, just why they were a lazy incompetant unethical stupid !!!!!!.

FTW

I'd try to do everything in writing wherever possible, unless I were in a position where I could record the call.

Cpt.Scarlet

~Chameleon~ wrote: »

Please could somebody tell me what sort of questions the DWP ask during the initial phone call they make, prior to sending out the questionnaire about moving from IB to ESA?

Also, what is the timescale involved from phone call to receiving/returning said questionnaire and being called in by ATOS for a medical?

They only want to know if YOU need anything explained about the transfer, if you don't take the call (they try 2-3 times), then the transfer will simply continue.

You should receive the ESA50 within 2 weeks, if you don't call the DWP, you have four weeks to return the ESA50, a medical (if required) will be about 2-3 weeks later.

moose1982

If you aren't sure they are DWP, can you not ask them for their department and extension number which you call them back on? I'm sure they must have some form of process for this (though knowing DWP...).

mealone

Cpt.Scarlet wrote: »

They only want to know if YOU need anything explained about the transfer, if you don't take the call (they try 2-3 times), then the transfer will simply continue.

You should receive the ESA50 within 2 weeks, if you don't call the DWP, you have four weeks to return the ESA50, a medical (if required) will be about 2-3 weeks later.

Deaf people often have phones (and there are even mobile contracts aimed at them) but they are not used for voice calls, its a waste of time for someone to ring them to talk to them do the DWP just send them forms?

cardcrazyden

~Chameleon~ wrote: »

Please could somebody tell me what sort of questions the DWP ask during the initial phone call they make, prior to sending out the questionnaire about moving from IB to ESA?

Also, what is the timescale involved from phone call to receiving/returning said questionnaire and being called in by ATOS for a medical?

I have just completed my questionnaire.

I was sent a letter first of all to advise me that someone from DWP would ring me to explain about the change from IB to ESA and answer any questions I might have. They specified the telephone number they were going to phone me and asked questions to confirm who I was. The letter explained that I should receive my questionnaire within the next two weeks and I have 4 weeks to complete it. Also included with the letter was a list of FAQ.

I have to say I was a little apprehensive regarding the call but it really was nothing to worry about, it literally happened has my letter said it would.

I think my one piece of advice would be that once you get your first letter I would start contacting anyone from the medical profession you may want to support your claim. I have just sent my questionnaire back without a supporting letter from my consultant. I did phone jobcentreplus regarding this and they gave me a different address to send my consultants letter when I eventually get it sorted.

Hope this helps.

Morglin

There's no obligation to talk to them on the phone - just request that everything is put in writing.

They phone to let you know that the form is being sent and to 'answer queries', but it's best not to get involved, I think.

Make sure the form is returned to ATOS (and the BDC, if you want to), within the time frame, and send it all by recorded or Special Delivery (best, although more expensive).

Lin