PIP Question

rogerblack

Franklee wrote: »

Hi.
After the excellent advice by nannytone I have checked my wifes letter from atos.
it doesn't mention any specific benefit.

Phone them on the (freephone) contact number on the website.
They should be able to tell you what it's for.

HB58

Claimants on DLA are being 'invited' to apply for PIP, the claimant has to phone up and initiate the claim, then fill and return the assessment forms. If you wife has not done this then it is highly unlikely that this 'medical' is for PIP.

Franklee_2

Thanks both.
no she has not initiated any contact. I assume this is to move her from ib to esa.
would be interested if any posters have experience of guillain-barre syndrome.

nad1611

Yes you're right Guillain-Barre Syndrome is on the list of conditions that the DWP and Atos state are suitable only to be assessed by a doctor.If this isn't you wife's only condition, then yes make sure you make a point of asking before going to your assessment and check on the day, it's up to them to get that bit right.
In answer to some of your other questions DLA will become PIP and Incapacity Benefit is now and for some will become ESA. They are separate benefits and will be assessed as such.

Did your wife not fill in any type of questionairre before being asked to come in for an assessment. It seems strange that they haven't asked for you to fill in anything. I would still call the DWP tell them you have been asked to come for an assessment and ask them for which Benefit your wife's being assessed, also advise them you haven't filled out an ESA50. I'm not sure I've read anyone saying they were called straight to assessment, but I'm sure someone will put me right on that if that is not the case.

Apply the principles of repeatedly reliably/safely and in a timely manner. If your wife can't perform things for the majority of the time in the above way then she should be considered not capable of doing that action. Do lots of research on the filling of the form it will be well worth it in the long run. Best of luck.

Franklee_2

Thanks nad1611.
No. She has had no contact whatsoever. The assessment letter turned up "out of the blue". It makes no refernce to a specific benefit. it says "we have been asked by the dwp to carry out an assessment in relation to your benefit claim"

nad1611

So has it given you a time and place or does it just say they will be assessing your wife??

Franklee_2

Appointment at our local atos 0900 next tuesday.

nad1611

Very strange. I'd definetly get onto the DWP and ask what this is for. What documentation will Atos be looking at if your wife hasn't filled anything out.

Has your wife been assessed since she contracted the Guillain-Barre Syndrome, if not and she hasn't either filled out a form, then they will have no record of her having this condition, so it's vitally important that you alert them to this so that she is assessed accordingly and by a doctor. Get on to the DWP today if possible ask them what your wife's being assessed for she'll probably need to okay it with them so you can speak to them on her behalf, tell them about the Condition she has in addition to the Arthritis and ask if that's on her notes, then ring the assessment centre and ask about them about having a doctor present. Good luck.

Franklee_2

Thanks again for the advice.
she has filled a few assessment forms over the years.last one was May last year, I guess its just taken this long to trickle through the system? .
She has been assessed since she had gbs.
She doesn't want to make a fuss about being assessed by a doctor. She thinks it may jeopardise things.
she said if she gets turned down she may make a fuss about it afterwards? .

nad1611

Obviously it's your wife's decision but when you consider the time and money involved in these assessments and the already huge backlog of people awaiting appeals and the pressure on already stretched resources and then not to approach this assessment fully prepared when you are aware that she should have a doctor assess her, seems a little misguided. I can only think having a dr present would actually help you rather than jeopardise things. Whilst I have heard people say that their assessor didn't know anything about their condition, I haven't heard anyone complain "my assessor knew an appropriate amount", which a Dr would.

If she hasn't been through an Appeal I can tell you it is a very stressful process. Well you have the information and it's obviously up to you how you proceed but my view would still be the advice given before and ensure she has a Dr. present.