Atos Procedures

not_a_new_user

As the name says, i'm not a new user but as my Atos Assessment is imminent, i'm using another name, and i don't want to give too much information.

Just a point of reference for other applicants for PIP. Mine is a transfer from DLA and I've repeatedly requested a home visit which has been refused, (for some of the reasons i claim DLA./PIP.)

I've been asking all the health professionals involved with my care / illnesses, if they have been contacted by ATOS or the DWP? No, they said. I'm shocked no one has consulted the reams of Information / Letters / Consultants, i submitted.

Last week apparently, the equivalent of a receptionist was spoken to by someone from ATOS. They said my keyworker wasn't available so ATOS proceeded to ask, presumably, their list of questions, i.e. did i have more bad than good days, etc. Despite them saying they didn't know me well enough to answer those questions, (i should think not,) questions were still asked and worse still, answered by someone who didn't know me. I'm more frustrated that person answered the questions, they should have said no, i don't know them and i'm not answering the questions.

I'm now wondering how many more health professionals, consultants etc, have been contacted, where a receptionist / admin assistant has given a consultation on my health.

One to be aware of for anyone being assessed for PIP (or ESA.)


Check with your healthcare team if they have been contacted, who has been spoken to, etc.


I have a sense of doom before i even attend my assessment, and i now have the added stress of making an additional complaint regarding ATOS procedures.

[Deleted User]

If you submitted "reams"of information it may be enough for them to make a decision without a face to face assessment, or they may be overwhelmed by the amount sent and feel they need to see you. I would be wary of making a complaint against ATOS until you have a decision, as at the end of the day its the DWP decision maker NOT atos who decide.

not_a_new_user

Thanks venison.

It must be the latter, the reams sent, which is why they need to see me.


I still find it odd, when i'm so ill.

GlasweJen

The test centre I attended was packed full of people, one woman who was on chemo and refused even though an infection could kill her.

My doctors weren't contacted either, mandatory reconsideration was completed in less than a week without anyone speaking to me, my doctors or reading the letter I sent them explaining why I didn't agree with the initial decision.

not_a_new_user

GlasweJen wrote: »

The test centre I attended was packed full of people, one woman who was on chemo and refused even though an infection could kill her.

My doctors weren't contacted either, mandatory reconsideration was completed in less than a week without anyone speaking to me, my doctors or reading the letter I sent them explaining why I didn't agree with the initial decision.

There's nothing i can say is there, except those who need the support are the most likely to be the casualties from these assessments as they simply don't have the energy or are too ill to fight.

aqua111

In most places there will be a Disability Help Centre.
They could advise you by phone.
A friend of mine failed the application for PIP but this was overturned withe the help of these advisors.

not_a_new_user

aqua111 wrote: »

In most places there will be a Disability Help Centre.
They could advise you by phone.
A friend of mine failed the application for PIP but this was overturned withe the help of these advisors.

Thanks. The sad fact is, it doesn't matter how ill you are, you are almost guaranteed to have to go through the system of appeal even before you attend your assessment. I haven't heard of a Disability Help Centre, thanks for that.

joydivisionforever

I recently transferred from DLA to PIP at my request as my MS had recently got worse.I was very concerned if I was doing the right thing in requesting my own transfer.
I sent in a letter from my MS nurse,a care plan from the social worker and my hospital discharge notes.I did not have to attend any review by Atos at home or at a centre.I have been awarded enhanced rate for daily living & mobility which was a big relief,and the worry of having to attend an Atos assessment.I think that sending as much supporting evidence was what made all the difference to my application.
Good luck with yours .

kaya

i have avoided two interviews so far, one for dla a few years back when atos were introduced to dla and one last yar for the transfer from incap to esa, i sent in 3 surgeons reports backed up by 3 mri scans and added a note that i had highlighted the relevent parts to save them having to trawl through it all and deciper it, i await the pip transfer letter

not_a_new_user

Thanks for your comments and support.

I received a text this morning, guess who from? I thought great, my appointment is being cancelled. Unfortunately not.

I've spent all the bank holiday weekend getting everything together. Bags of medication, all the letters, diagnoses, hospital discharge letters, ongoing treatment and investigations, ( i still have to go for another operation,) etc and that's only the last three months worth.

Can't do anymore now except pray that what they say is true and if you're ill, you've nothing to worry about. The point is, how ill do you have to be?

Ah, it doesn't matter how ill you are, it's how it affects your everyday life? It has at least made me contemplate this. I'm extremely worried how i will manage financially, if i don't receive any PIP, on top of my health deteriorating. My life will change, as it gets more difficult to cope with practicalities other people might take for granted, and if i can't afford the practical help i already have?