ESA and ATOS, processing the WCA

strangeotron

I'm filling in the ESA50 in anticipation (ie dread) of the WCA. I have to send it in by the end of the month. Last time when this happened they wrote me back telling me to ring them and book an appointment. Now the form wants me to put in my phone number so they can ring me and book an appointment. Is this how the procedure works? I'm not sure I want them to have my phone number. Besides, last time I had a few more weeks worth of ESA to play with in preparation for the inevitable negative decision! It seems they are speeding the whole process up, presumably to 'save money'.

Robbie64

You don't have to give your phone number.

ATOS tend to write out to you with an appointment these days. I wouldn't worry about them phoning you, if you think it will be a last minute appointment. If a face to face assessment is needed it's not likely to be anything less than a date three weeks in advance.

strangeotron

So I don't have to give my phone number?

If they write with a phone number do you have the option to ring and change it if it's not convenient, or does that attract all sorts of problems.

Why do you say if a face to face assessment is needed? Presumably that's compulsory; that's the whole purpose of this. everyoe gets tested. Or have they now decided just to make decisions on the basis of the ESA50 form alone?

Horseunderwater

Depends on your individual circumstances as to whether you need a F2F WCA or not. Some do and some don't. As you are already on ESA, just look at the ESA descriptors and see if anything has changed as to how you currently qualify and fill the form out and return it. They rang me and offered me a quick appointment as they had a cancellation spot, but I could not use it, so they sent another by post. They cancelled that one and the next - finally 4th attempt we got there!

Robbie64

strangeotron wrote: »

So I don't have to give my phone number?

If they write with a phone number do you have the option to ring and change it if it's not convenient, or does that attract all sorts of problems.

Why do you say if a face to face assessment is needed? Presumably that's compulsory; that's the whole purpose of this. everyoe gets tested. Or have they now decided just to make decisions on the basis of the ESA50 form alone?

You don't need to give your phone number at all. If you feel uncomfortable then don't give it. It won't affect your claim to ESA.

As Horseunderwater has posted not everyone has to go for an assessment, though most people do have to go. If there is enough evidence that you satisfy the Work Capability Assessment with what you submit (ESA50, GP letter, consultants letters, if appropriate) then ATOS can do a paper based assessment.

strangeotron

I find it hard to believe there are people being assessed favourbly without a WCA. The whole point is to put people through the test, ATOS are working to government targets.

I'd be more worried about them deciding to assess against me on the basis of the ESA50, that's my concern.

Robbie64

strangeotron wrote: »

I find it hard to believe there are people being assessed favourbly without a WCA. The whole point is to put people through the test, ATOS are working to government targets.

I'd be more worried about them deciding to assess against me on the basis of the ESA50, that's my concern.

It's not possible for someone to fail a Work Capability Assessment without having a face to face assessment. ATOS can only pass someone on a paper based assessment, they can't do the opposite.

All people who don't have to have face to face assessment are given a favourable decision and are placed in either the work related activity group or the support group.

strangeotron

I have never heard of anyone passing the assessment without seeing ATOS in person. Especially given how they fail people that are near death!

mazza111

strangeotron wrote: »

I have never heard of anyone passing the assessment without seeing ATOS in person. Especially given how they fail people that are near death!

I have, especially those transferring over from IB, but they are few and far between. Usually those with serious illness/disabilities and have sent in medical proof along with their ESA50

Two4Tuesday

I have too, going straight back into the support group on my reclaim after a 6 week temp job. My ESA50 and supporting medical documents copied from my previous submission were enough to not need another ATOS face to face medical.q

Pippin12

I've been passed without a face to safe assessment. I sent in my ESA50 with letter from my GP, one from my hospital consultant, Occupational Therapist and support worker.