ATOS Query

Cpt.Scarlet

MUMZ2BEE wrote: »

I've just looked at Muttlet'ys links for the above descriptors.

As I have said on the form I can't walk 50 metres without getting out of breath due to the tachycardia, hopefulyy I will fit into the support group!!

You won't get into the Support Group or even the WRAG on your being unable to walk.

The test is your ability to mobilise, so in addition, you need to show that you cannot manually propel a wheelchair over an equivalent distance. It is irrelevant whether you use or even own a wheelchair.

This is why you need to look at the ESA descriptors, and read them fully.

benefitbaby

Our local Mind has no qualified benefit advisers who do appeals etc so this may be why they are not able to help. You should contact your local CAB, law centre or other advice agency for help with an appeal.

MUMZ2BEE

Thanks for the replies.

I have seen the CAB, and they said that I should be in the support group due to having a heart condition, and depression problems.

It clearly states in the descriptors that because I get breathless at 50 metres, I can get 15 points for this.

The tachycardia makes me feel breathless, and I can also suffer from palpitations in the chest.

If I dont stop to catch my breath, yes I do tend to feel unwell as a result.

I also have to ask people to slow down as I cannot keep up with them is another problem.

I don't like going to new places, and refuse to go anywhere I dont know unless I am with someone.

Most of the time I prefer to stay indoors, as I feel unsafe when out and about.

I had received death threats a few years ago from a neighbour, and I got threatened on a bus as well. This has left me feeling scared to go out.

I have given a copy of the ATOS form to my GP so she can she how my tachycardia affects me from day to day.

I have tried to give as much information as I can.

BigAunty

MUMZ2BEE wrote: »

..

I don't like going to new places, and refuse to go anywhere I dont know unless I am with someone.

Most of the time I prefer to stay indoors, as I feel unsafe when out and about.

I had received death threats a few years ago from a neighbour, and I got threatened on a bus as well. This has left me feeling scared to go out.

Is your agorophobia self-diagnosed or do you have medical evidence to add to your supporting documents for the ESA claim?

atrixblue.-MFR-.

agoraphobia in itself is not a passport to support group.

the breathlessness in itself wont passport you to 15 points, you may get 6 points at a push but not the required points for support group.
because you would be able bodied to propell a wheel chair or use a walking stick.

give you a tip, never say "refuse" to go as this is twisted around in so many ways by atos or the DWP, your condition "prevents" you.
i can refuse to go out the house this doesnt mean that i cant, i cant leave the house because my agoraphobia "prevents" me from leaving the house is a much better phrase because it says it in the best possible way that your prevented and why.

MUMZ2BEE

Thanks to everyone for their advice.

I have suffered from severe depression since 1990, and ATOS can easily obtain a medical report from my GP to ask what my mental health is.

I am on long term antidepressant and I have to take 200mg daily dose.

I have been in and out of adult mental health care since 1990, my last lot of care was back in 2010, but my GP has stated that if I am bad again, I will have to be re-referered at any time.

My medication is currently helping to keep me reasonably stable, and any problems, I have to see my GP.

I have been told due to my mental illness, my medication is long term.

I have today sent the dreaded form back to ATOS; no doubt I will get a fone call soon!!

I gave my GP a copy of the form and what answers I gave!!

My GP will support me anyway.

Hopefully fingers crossed for no medical, as I don't know how I will cope if I have to go for one!!

Unfortunately the CAB said their adviser's don't go to medicals anymore which is a shame ::++((

I hhave tried to give as much information as I can on the forms!!

Again many thanks for all the advice xx

Kay

Have a look at a website called 'benefitsandwork' - they have lots of advice for people going for medicals

MUMZ2BEE

Just checked the site out and you have to pay a subscription for it of £20!!

Thought these types of sites were free to help others!!

Ellejmorgan

MUMZ2BEE wrote: »

Just checked the site out and you have to pay a subscription for it of £20!!

Thought these types of sites were free to help others!!

Actually if you sign up to the free email service they sometimes have offers giving you a couple of quid discount..

It might cost £20 but this B&W site is invaluable, the fee is only for the upkeep of the site, it has so many users and is well recognized and respected by many myself included..

I've been a member for 3 years and it's saved me more than £20 and helped me get to know a very complicated and unfair benefits system

sparkycat2

MUMZ2BEE wrote: »

I have seen the CAB, and they said that I should be in the support group due to having a heart condition, and depression problems.

If work related activities would be likely to result in your suicide or you having a fatal heart attack. You may get into the Support Group under the Special Criteria - Special Circumstances.

Support Group Special Criteria - Special Circumstance
3. "A claimant who does not have limited activity for work related activity as determined in accordance with regulation 34 (1)" (Support Group Descriptors) "is to be treated as having limited capability for work related activity if -
(a) The claimant "suffers from some specific disease or bodily or mental disablement and;
(b) by reasons of such disease or disablement, there would be a substantial risk to the mental or physical health of any person if he were found not to have limited capability for work-related activity";