PIP assessment - why was this asked?

skeggysteve

My wife had an ATOS assessment at home yesterday and the person asked a question that has us intrigued.

They asked if she had a mobile phone, fair enough as I understand that they they assume that you're OK with talking to strangers and using technology.

But they then asked if it was contract or PAYG, why would that be relevant to her health, care or mobility?

I've asked the DWP and they laughed and said they had never heard that and it could not possibly have any relevance.

I might call ATOS but before I do does anyone have an answer/guess?

UKTigerlily

Was it a mental health assessment? I'm thinking because when mentally ill we can run up debt and not be able to get contract phones, maybe something random like she said she can't manage the bills each month and they are thinking but she has a phone that gets paid? Other than that, no idea! They are purely guesses as someone who has mh problems. Seems a very weird thing to ask about!

Diary

As above - it's a budgeting question. If pay and go then the claimant must be able to put money on it via online or shop. If contract then the claimant must have good credit and be able to budget. No account is made for spouses or girl/boyfriends paying for the phone whether or not its a contract or pay and go. I've had this question twice now with PIP and ATOS and my claim is not for mental health.

The DWP as employers of ATOS have no idea what ATOS are up to and its pointless asking DWP for any info regarding ATOS assessments.

skeggysteve

Lily - they did ask who does the budgeting, can't remember if it was before or after. Yes, I think you're correct when you say it may be about MH.

Diary - if they had asked who does the top ups then it would make more sense, but they didn't!
I asked the DWP because I had called them to request a copy of the ATOS report, just to check it is correct, I recorded the assessment.

Thank you both fro taking the time to reply.

Diary

skeggysteve wrote: »

Lily - they did ask who does the budgeting, can't remember if it was before or after. Yes, I think you're correct when you say it may be about MH.

Diary - if they had asked who does the top ups then it would make more sense, but they didn't!
I asked the DWP because I had called them to request a copy of the ATOS report, just to check it is correct, I recorded the assessment.

Thank you both fro taking the time to reply.

ATOS don't need to clarify the question, they simply go ahead and make assumptions based on what the claimant says or indeed doesn't say.

Very well done on recording the assessment. Although I've been slated on here for doing it I covertly record everything to do with ATOS and DWP and the council and I mean everything. At one stage during my very first PIP claim I had to send it to my MP as he didn't believe just how bad DWP and ATOS were. He very quickly changed his mind when he heard both parties on CD.

skeggysteve

Diary, yes I recorded it because of the lies/errors the last ATOS 'health professional' made.

It was a covert recording - but if they want to come to my home then I can do whatever I want. Having a relative high up (very!) is very helpful.

Fluffybunny80

If they discover you covertly recorded your claim can be immediately stopped, hence why it is not recommended

skeggysteve

Fluffy,

Thanks I didn't know that but I have been assured (by someone who knows that law very well, the are a high court judge!) that I could record the assessment without saying anything as it was at my home.

Obviously if the assessment was elsewhere it would be a different matter.

Diary

skeggysteve wrote: »

Fluffy,

Thanks I didn't know that but I have been assured (by someone who knows that law very well, the are a high court judge!) that I could record the assessment without saying anything as it was at my home.

Obviously if the assessment was elsewhere it would be a different matter.

You can audio record anything at anytime wherever you like- in your own home or not. Not sure what you mean by if the assessment was elsewhere it would be a different matter. It shouldn't be a different matter if you know the law or indeed know someone who does.

I audio record everything to do with DWP and although they can stop it they find out just the same as anyone can it isn't against the law and nor can they penalise anyone for covertly audio recording. This law about audio recording counts for 'lay' people, people who aren't subject to the constraints of operating the data protection act.

If I hadn't recorded my phone calls and assessment at ATOS my claim wouldn't have been settled so quickly by my MP who couldn't believe the disgraceful way I was treated by all concerned until he heard the CD.

And if anyone says the DWP/ ATOS says audio recordings aren't admissible in court or tribunal - it isn't up to the DWP as to what is admissible or not it's up to the judge the same as all evidence is.