The extremely dreaded Atos Assessment

JasonBat

Hi everyone,

I have on of the above shortly and the horror stories I have heard make me sick (excuse the pun).

It seems to be a system where the staff are not properly equipped in terms of skills (no doubt a money saving exercise) or morals and are put under pressure by the DWP to pull the proverbial plug on disabled people's livelihood.

I went on one of these some years ago and managed to pass it. Not sure what has changed this time? I see recording the assessment seems to be an option now. Is this because the assessors are fibbers? Do I really need to record it?

Fearing the worst, if I fail will I have to immediately sign on to JSA?

Any thoughts/help appreciated.

Thanks.

Jason

DomRavioli

You can appeal the decision.

Not much has changed, please read the threads with the ESA descriptors on - this is what you have to fulfil (there are support group and work related group ones)in order to successfully claim ESA.

vision2009

See this website for any help and advice.
http://www.dwpexamination.org/
and
http://thefullfacts.com/esa/forum/
Always record and take someone with you as a witness.

Mojisola

JasonBat wrote: »

I see recording the assessment seems to be an option now. Is this because the assessors are fibbers? Do I really need to record it?

My son always had problems getting IB/ESA. The way what he said was reported by the assessor always made it sound as if he was capable of doing much more than he can, no to mention the outright mistakes (lies) that were written down.

This time we asked for the assessment to be officially recorded and the benefit came through without any problem. Co-incident?

JasonBat

DomRavioli wrote: »

Not much has changed, please read the threads with the ESA descriptors on - this is what you have to fulfil (there are support group and work related group ones)in order to successfully claim ESA.

Hi DomRavioli,

Can't find the thread. Is it here on MSE?

If I appeal (which takes forever I gather) will I lose benefits in the interim?

vision2009 wrote: »

Always record and take someone with you as a witness.

Hi vision2009,

Okay, will check that out.

I don't have a potential witness so I think I just have to find a way to record it.

Mojisola wrote: »

My son always had problems getting IB/ESA. The way what he said was reported by the assessor always made it sound as if he was capable of doing much more than he can, no to mention the outright mistakes (lies) that were written down.

This time we asked for the assessment to be officially recorded and the benefit came through without any problem. Co-incident?

Hi Mojisolo,

Oh my word...

Did you just ask to record it when you arrive at reception?

nannytone_2

these assessments go smoothly for the vast majority of people, you just dont hear about them!
i had one in october 2011. the HCP was friendly, efficiebt abd listened carefully to everything i dsif. she then read back to me what she had ebetered on the computer and invited me to correct anything that she had got wrong or misunderstood.

as i said .... you hear the bad experiences, but there are plenty of good ones too

JasonBat

nannytone wrote: »

these assessments go smoothly for the vast majority of people, you just dont hear about them!
i had one in october 2011. the HCP was friendly, efficiebt abd listened carefully to everything i dsif. she then read back to me what she had ebetered on the computer and invited me to correct anything that she had got wrong or misunderstood.

as i said .... you hear the bad experiences, but there are plenty of good ones too

Hi nannytone,

Thanks. I hope that is the case. It seems when they get it wrong, they get it really wrong. I heard that around 70 odd million a year is spent on successful appeals...

Mojisola

JasonBat wrote: »

Hi Mojisolo,

Oh my word...

Did you just ask to record it when you arrive at reception?

No, you have to ask in advance so that they can get the equipment to your centre.

rogerblack

nannytone wrote: »

these assessments go smoothly for the vast majority of people, you just dont hear about them!

The majority of people - OK - I can accept that, perhaps even 'a lot'.
The vast majority - no way.

Even solely the successful appeal rates after decisions based largely on WCAs would bring that into question.

Just_About_60

OP.... how long was there between returning your ESA50 and getting your appointment for a medical?


I didn't have a medical last time I sent in forms and I got a decision in less than two months. I was wondering if things are faster/slower if you have to undergo a medical. Thanks.

sniggings

nannytone wrote: »

these assessments go smoothly for the vast majority of people, you just dont hear about them!
i had one in october 2011. the HCP was friendly, efficiebt abd listened carefully to everything i dsif. she then read back to me what she had ebetered on the computer and invited me to correct anything that she had got wrong or misunderstood.

as i said .... you hear the bad experiences, but there are plenty of good ones too

how can you say that when over 40% of decisions on ESA claims are wrong and over 800,000 cases are still waiting to be heard on appeal...that is hardly as you say, the vast majority run smoothly :eek:

Glad you seem to have got through the system ok but many out there do not.