ATOS Face to Face what to expect and how to prepare advice

allconnected

i have been offered therapy but declined as i don't like meeting new people or talking to them.

Ah, I think we've found the problem.

Illness and capability isn't about what you LIKE to do, but what you're capable of doing.

Do you think a wheelchair user who used a wheelchair because they didn't like walking should be entitled to benefits?

Do you think a taxpayer who didn't like their taxes being used to pay benefits should be allowed to opt out of doing so because they didn't like it?

Try and do everything possible and accept all the help available to get yourself well enough to work - even if you don't like it. Find out what you can do, and forget "like" - until you're self-sufficient that doesn't come into it.

And if you want to spend your life only doing what you like - be prepared to fund it yourself - because the rest of us working because we need to, not because we want to, can't keep funding it - we need the support to stay there for the people who a. can't do it and b. don't refuse opportunities to help them.

Allconnected

Keeping

I know Atos are being extremely strict on the depression / anxiety related health problems and the fact you have declined help certainly will not go on your favour. Taking someone with you might help but they cannot speak for you unless you're physically unable to speak.

The biggest problem here is that you have been offered help and declined it so in their eyes "your depression can't be that bad".

As for the face to face assessment itself they will just ask you what your typical day is like, what you do, how you do it, who helps you etc. They're actually really friendly and sympathetic... Well my assessor was anyway.

Also with depression and anxiety they will speak to your doctors, check your medical history, how long have you been on medication etc and your doctor will have a large part in whether or not you get ESA.

If you do get ESA it will probably only be for 3 months and they will certainly expect you to seek professional help for your depression during that time.

Diary

kieran1234 wrote: »

and do i ask for a mandatory reconsideration while i am at atos if it comes to that?

No, you have to ask the DWP when eventually you've had the decision. You won't get any decision on benefit while you're at your assessment.

kieran1234

allconnected wrote: »

Ah, I think we've found the problem.

Illness and capability isn't about what you LIKE to do, but what you're capable of doing.

Do you think a wheelchair user who used a wheelchair because they didn't like walking should be entitled to benefits?

Do you think a taxpayer who didn't like their taxes being used to pay benefits should be allowed to opt out of doing so because they didn't like it?

Try and do everything possible and accept all the help available to get yourself well enough to work - even if you don't like it. Find out what you can do, and forget "like" - until you're self-sufficient that doesn't come into it.

And if you want to spend your life only doing what you like - be prepared to fund it yourself - because the rest of us working because we need to, not because we want to, can't keep funding it - we need the support to stay there for the people who a. can't do it and b. don't refuse opportunities to help them.

Allconnected

I was offered this by the crisis team at the time while i had them not my doctor, and how i was feeling at the time i would of became worse if i was forced to go talk to a complete stranger.

BigAunty

Did I imagine a proposal by the government (not necessarily a policy) that they might start making sickness benefits conditional on accepting treatment?

To the OP - how long have you been on Incapacity Benefit (or DLA)?

kieran1234

So do you think the best idea is to get myself back to the doctors, and explain my situation and ask him for therapy and some more help just to make it look like i am trying to help myself to ATOS, And would getting help from the crisis team help?. My doctor says i am unfit for work i quit my job last year because of my depression so its not like i haven't worked a day in my life, I worked 3 years straight from leaving school

kieran1234

BigAunty wrote: »

Did I imagine a proposal by the government (not necessarily a policy) that they might start making sickness benefits conditional on accepting treatment?

To the OP - how long have you been on Incapacity Benefit (or DLA)?

If you mean me, it is ESA and about 14 weeks

pmlindyloo

I think it is vital that you get some evidence from your doctor plus evidence that you were under the crisis team.

If you look at this link then there is a further link under Appealing ESA. (opens in a word document)

http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/england/benefits_e/benefits_sick_or_disabled_people_and_carers_ew/employment_and_support_allowance.htm

This includes some sample letters that you can send to your doctor and any other health professional that you have seen.

There are also the ESA descriptors that you can give to them so they can comment on certain aspects of your illness. This is useful as many healthcare professionals do not know that 'criteria' you have to meet.

Although the letters are about appealing an ESA decision you can use them by altering the letter to say you are going for an ATOS medical assessment and need to send them evidence.

It is really vital that you get some evidence.

It must be difficult to get the help and support you need because of the way you feel about meeting new people but if you have a friend/relative to help you I would urge you to get in contact with MIND or CAB who could support you through all this.

You will remain on the assessment rate of ESA until a decision is made after the medical.

If you are found fit for work then you can apply for JSA and see a disability advisor until the reconsideration is done.

Your decision letter should tell you how you do this.

Then if they still find you fit for work then you can ask to go back on ESA (assessment rate) until your appeal.

Please try and get some help.

kieran1234

pmlindyloo wrote: »

I think it is vital that you get some evidence from your doctor plus evidence that you were under the crisis team.

If you look at this link then there is a further link under Appealing ESA. (opens in a word document)

This includes some sample letters that you can send to your doctor and any other health professional that you have seen.

There are also the ESA descriptors that you can give to them so they can comment on certain aspects of your illness. This is useful as many healthcare professionals do not know that 'criteria' you have to meet.

Although the letters are about appealing an ESA decision you can use them by altering the letter to say you are going for an ATOS medical assessment and need to send them evidence.

It is really vital that you get some evidence.

It must be difficult to get the help and support you need because of the way you feel about meeting new people but if you have a friend/relative to help you I would urge you to get in contact with MIND or CAB who could support you through all this.

You will remain on the assessment rate of ESA until a decision is made after the medical.

If you are found fit for work then you can apply for JSA and see a disability advisor until the reconsideration is done.

Your decision letter should tell you how you do this.

Then if they still find you fit for work then you can ask to go back on ESA (assessment rate) until your appeal.

Please try and get some help.

Okay thank you for the advice i really appreciate it, I am going to phone my gp today and get a appointment sorted.

BigAunty

I am not aware whether or not your refusal to accept certain types of treatment has any influence on the outcome of your assessment. I know that other people have pitched it this way.

You are in a catch 22 situation - your illness causes social withdrawal yet the contact that comes from therapy could be the one which helps you recover your confidence and self-esteem.

I expect this isn't the type of forum where people are permitted to offer you advice on how to resolve mental health issues. Have you looked into any local or national support groups and charities set up for the sufferers of your conditions to see how they are managing their condition, joined more specific forums, etc?