ESA assessment. What should I expect?

cit_k

cabbage wrote: »

Bear in mind you may be observed in the waiting area and coming into the building to see how you cope with stairs, sitting still etc. Have a look at the descriptors for an idea on the sorts of things you will ask for.

Not sure if you are allowed to covertly record someone or need to have their permission.

You can covertly record quite legally, I have done it many times.

Asking permission would have to be done well in advance, and would result in them saying they will only allow it if you follow rules stricter than the police use when they interview murder suspects.

For example, you would have to use professional sound recording equipment (double deck at least), that is professionally calibrated by a professional sound engineer, immediately before the assessment.

And even if you hire the equipment and engineer, the ATOS doc has to agree to, and there was one person who reported they did meet the silly requirements only for ATOS to refuse permission...

Thats why it has to be done covertly.

If you ask on the day, you will be told no.

If you insist on recording, after asking, they WILL halt the medical and kick you off benefits with no pay during appeal.

That should give you some idea the type of people you are facing, people who do not like being held accountable under any circumstance...

cit_k

ps you will be allowed to take a companion/witness (but a recording is better evidence wise, both is ideal).

cit_k

ps just to avoid confusion, you are NORMALLY paid during appeal, so dont worry about money if you have to appeal - its only if you have to appeal due to non compliance (not turning up, or they know you are recording etc) that you dont get paid.

Ellejmorgan

Don't expect any logic from atos or dwp I recently got asked to go to a work focused interview 2 weeks before my baby is due,am having c-section and they wanted me to start a work related placement in the new year-that's 3 weeks after major surgery.
All this and they know I am awaiting back surgery, got told by manager at jobcenter I should be in support group as condition is degenerative..

As I said don't expect logic..