ESA - wish they'd make their minds up!

chrysalis_2

Hi everyone, hoping for a bit of clarification on my case -

I am in the Support Group, and in January had major spinal surgery. I notified the ESA dept, as I was expecting to have a WCA at any time and knew I'd be incapacitated by the surgery for a while.

I got the WCA letter, and phoned ATOS immediately to let them know I couldn't attend and why. The woman was vague on the phone as to what happens next, so I phoned the ESA dept. This was the first of FIVE phone calls, all telling me different things, and eventually culminating in my needing to get a letter from my GP to say why I couldn't attend. There were so many !!!! ups and inconsistencies that I came within two days of having my benefits stopped. My GP was thorough, and stated (correctly) that the surgery I've had requires at least a 12 month recovery period.

I keep telephoning ESA dept, and eventually am given the decision maker's er, decision that the evidence is sufficient - ie I have a good enough excuse not to attend the WCA. I asked what would happen next, as I'd hate to think I'd gone through all that (there are bits I've missed out, and it took a month to sort out) only to be told I have to attend a medical again. 1st advisor told me the letter would "definitely be taken into account" and that there was "evidence I shouldn't have to attend a WCA", yet another advisor later told me that "everything would go back to ATOS" and it was up to them whether I would be sent for a medical or not.

I'm sure this last bit is a whopping great lie, as the final decision is made by the Decision Makers, who are employed by the DWP?

Any thoughts?

Crazy_Larry

Congratulations on managing to keep your ESA, this is no mean feat considering the whole system is geared to making it as hard as possible to claim. Thank God ATOS are on the way out.