Unable to attend atos now have BF223 form

Tissy101

Hi I suffer with anxiety and panic attacks.

I was meant to go to a Atos assessment last week but on the way I had a massive panic attack and was taken ill so I was unable to attend two days later I got a bf223 form witch I filled out honestly and have sent back.

However if the DWP do not accept my reason for not attending can I appeal? And if I do what will happen to my IB.

rogerblack

As I understand it, you may be offered another appointment.
If it's decided that you intentionally did not go (did not have good cause) your ESA, your payments will cease.
You can appeal this decision, but you will not be paid until you either go to a medical, or the appeal process finishes and you win.
In the event your payment stops, there is little option but to claim JSA, unless you can live on other income, or qualify for other benefits.
(for example, carers allowance)

angelsmomma

I am confused op. You posted on the 7th that you had put in an online claim for JSA as you felt ready to go back to work.

If you were already on JSA why did you need to go to the assessment at all. Or has the JSA claim not yet been processed?

Muttleythefrog

As above for advice... but equally confused because the issue goes away if you're going to get JSA which you have applied for.

Tissy101

Hi! i was looking in to going on to JSA but after talking to my local job center we decided i was not ready so I was told to stay on IB my JSA claim was never processed.

broad-sword_2

Once again.... Jobcentre staff should not be advising folk like this in these cases. You will not be paid ESA unless DWP accept your reasons for failing to attend the assessment (FTA). I'm assuming you were on IB and are going through the converisom to ESA process. If so your IB has finished and will not be coming back. You can appeal or ask for a reconsideration against the FTA decision - if the decision is revised you are back on and will be invited to another assessment. In the meantime you are entitled to claim JSA - it will not predujice any appeal. I do realise that this all sounds strange... but post again if you think I can clear things up for you, especially about the mental health side (the rules on attendance are quite tough though).