A query about recordng an ATOS interview...

Prinzessilein

I haven't had my transition from IB to ESA interview yet.But I know that one day the letter will arrive.

i have a couple of questions about recording the interview...

I want to ask for a home interview - travel anywhere would be almost impossible - both for me and for my carer.(My carer is my OAP mum)

I also want to ask for the interview to be recorded. (Partly because I don't trust ATOS but mainly because I want to have a recording to help my memory.)

Am I right in thinking that ATOS will record the interview for you - and that it is my right to have it recorded? Does this include home interviews or will they only record in their offices?

I don't want to record the interview covertly - as I understand that the interviewer can stop the interview if I am found out doing this. But if ATOS agree to record the interview and then refuse on the day, am I permitted to refuse the interview without sanctions?

rogerblack

Prinzessilein wrote: »

But if ATOS agree to record the interview and then refuse on the day, am I permitted to refuse the interview without sanctions?

While in principle this may be true (I am unsure if it is), this is somewhat irrelevant.

The issue is what is the likely risk of your decision to not cooperate.
Even if in principle you are correct - it doesn't do you much good, if this is only agreed a year down the line at a tribunal.

I would recommend if this occurs that you simply record covertly, perhaps with several recorders to ensure it's picked up properly.
Many phones today are quite sensitive enough to easily pick up voices clearly in a room, even at some distance, if just left somewhere nearby.

A tribunal can, if they choose, consider this evidence, if it's relevant, and any transcripts may be of use.

HB58

I don't think that DWP/ATOS are recording assessments carried out in the home.

mynameistallulah

HB58 wrote: »

I don't think that DWP/ATOS are recording assessments carried out in the home.

I would agree with this - the resources needed to do this are far beyond the purpose of such a request.

OP, would you be able to get to the centre if they provided a taxi, or are you unable to attend due to agoraphobia (or a condition of that sort)?

vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv

http://helpmeinvestigate.com/welfare/the-work-capability-assessment-audio-recording

the_devil_made_me_do_it

They wouldn't allow me to record my medical. To be honest I was to anxious to get it together enough even if they agreed to it.

Prinzessilein

mynameistallulah wrote: »

OP, would you be able to get to the centre if they provided a taxi, or are you unable to attend due to agoraphobia (or a condition of that sort)?

It is not simply a matter of getting to the centre. I am unable to manage stairs (as is my carer) an I understand that many ATOS centres are not disability-friendly. Also I cannot cope with being in a room with too many people (I can not filter out sound - I hear everything going on - every conversation, every noise outside, every scrape of a chair...it can cause sensory overload). I also get stressed if my 'plan' for the day is altered unexpectedly. It will be a lot easier to deal with this in familiar surroundings. Also I want to bring my carer with me - I can't travel without her, and also I am elective mute (I just wonder how the 'medical specialist' will deal with this!) and my carer is essential for communication purposes; and I wish to bring a representative from DIAL. It may be easier to accommodate us in my own front room than in a cramped office.

Whilst I want a copy of the recording for proof of any possible lies ATOS make...I also need one for my own peace of mind. I will possibly forget what happened at the interview and it helps reduce panic if I can remind myself by listening to the recording.

rogerblack

Prinzessilein wrote: »

I cannot cope with being in a room with too many people (I can not filter out sound - I hear everything going on - every conversation, every noise outside, every scrape of a chair...it can cause sensory overload).

Neglecting the actual topic.
Have you experimented with either earplugs, or headphones with a 'white noise' or other track to mask out external noises?

Richie-from-the-Boro

Prinzessilein, I think we discussed your reluctance to attend an ATOS interview some very long time ago, now like then, you are layering consecutive reasons or excuses for not attending the interview.

Things have changed in the intervening period in two respects, (1) a home visit used to be a very remote possibility whereas now given the appropriate circumstances its a real probability, and (2) recording of the interview was never allowed and now in the right circumstances is. A home recording as far as I'm aware can never be the right environment for recording.

- distance is irrelevant they will provide care & transport
- stairs are irrelevant they will select an appropriate [ground floor / or / lifts]
- elective mutism is something I'm sure exists in SOS / DWP case law though I've never looked it up

rogerblack counseled you earlier to be careful not to become a refusenik [failure to cooperate] [failure to attend] pay attention to what roger told you. The DWP's starting point if they decide 'failure to attend' is an almost instant cessation of all benefits including any made not only to yourself, but to your parent on your behalf.

Best of luck Prinzessilein.

Prinzessilein

Richie - thank you for your kind comments.

i I have every intention of cooperating as far as within me lies. I have a tendency to overthink things - I haven't even received the letter yet - but am trying to set out a plan for when it comes. My problem is that one aspect of my ASD is that I try and organise 'perfect' plans - where every possibility and probability is catered for...so I look into absolutely every 'what-if' that there is!

I am well aware that I am coming up with increasingly unlikely scenarios for what may/may not happen when/if I get called for my interview. It is my way of trying to 'control' what is happening.

'Failure to attend' is absolutely not an option for me...I am strictly (obsessively!) law-abiding. The rules state I need to attend (either at a centre or at home) so I will attend. Similarly, I will not covertly record the interview - as this is 'against the rules'. It's not just that I know my benefits would be stopped (although this is obviously important) but that I am desperate to always do what is right and legal and in accordance with rules and regulations.

On a day like today I can sit back and see that I am being slightly stupid with my constant worrying and planning (I can't stop it but at least I know it is irrational!).....I really appreciate that posters have taken my concerns seriously and given constructive and helpful advice., Thankyou!


rogerblack - I do use a form of noiseblocker, but the ones I find most effective 'cut out' all noise rather than simply mask it. My mother/carer is partially deaf and so may not hear us being called in...so I was considering that I might need to not wear anything that blocks all sound...this wouldn't be a problem if a DIAL representative was with us - but I was 'planning' for a scenario where perhaps ATOS only allowed me one person to accompany me......it's another case of my over-thinking things and trying to cover absolutely every possible (and a fair number of impossible!) likelihood.

sunnyone

You might not be called for a face to face assessment, i was transfered from IVB to the support group a few weeks ago on the form only.

To have the best chance of not having an assessment go and see the GP you are registered with to update them on the current state of your health as they will be the ones who get the pre board assessment form if they choose to send on out and collect up to date information from everyone involved in your care.