Home F2F Assessment

Anchoress

My re-assessment was mean to be today at my home between 11 and 12 but the Assessor hasn't turned up. I know it's only just gone that time but one of the tihngs I don't cope with is unexpected change.

I don't know what to do, my anxirty is so high I feel faint and sick with panic and I need to calm down. If he turns up can I ask him to re-arrange a dtae and time?

Anchoress

I don't think he's coming but what would be a reasonable amount of lateness? A phone call would be helpful so I know what's going on and when to expect him.

Tolly_T

I think you should call the customer services to find out what is going on if you can, or if you can get someone else to call for you. There have been cases of assessors claiming that they turned up but the claimant wasn't in. The centre should be able to contact the assessor and get back to you to let you know if they're running a bit late or a lot late and not able to come. At least knowing what is going on should help put your mind at rest.

I'm not sure where you would stand with rearranging but would that be the best option even if you could? If you see them in such a panic at least they'll see you how you are and how changes to plans cause you so much anxiety. If you rearrange you'll only extend the anxiety.

Anchoress

Yes, thank you Tolly I know what you're saying. I'll give it another 1/2 hour before I phone, I've got the phone number in front of me.

Anchoress

I have severe agoraphobia so it would be difficult for the assessor to say I wasn't in. I've been sat on the stairs by the front door for most of the last two hours so I know he hasn't come and I've missed him.

Tolly_T

I don't think they actually turned up in the cases I've read about, they just claimed they did. More lies but very hard to prove. Hopefully that won't be the case with yours. It's not acceptable to keep people waiting when they must know how stressful these assessments are. They should let people know as soon as possible if they're running late or not able to attend.

Anchoress

My panic attack is a bit better now, but still very anxious. I agree that a phone call shouldn't be too much to ask Tolly. It's a tortuous time for people suffering from anxiety problems.

I was wondering if maybe the assessor will do a paper assessment? It's the same doctor I had four years ago when I was put in the Wrag group. I appealed it on the advice of the job centre and was put in the support group. I did give a lot more information on this recent ESA form as I better understood the sort of information they needed. Is it too much to hope for that I won't have to go through a F2F?

Anchoress

I think I know what might have happened. The appointment letter was sent recorded delivery but the postman put it through the door without getting a signature. So the assessor might check online to see if the letter has been received. I think I'd better telephone them now I feel a bit calmer.

Tolly_T

Please let us know if that does turn out to be the case. It's something everyone will need to be aware of.

It might be worth asking if the assessor could look at the form in advance and decide if you really need to have a face to face assessment. I have no idea whether they'd go for that but you won't lose anything by asking.

I hope whatever the reason you're able to get it over and done with quickly. Whether that's having your appointment rearranged and completed soon or without a face to face. It's awful having it hanging over you.

Anchoress

Thanks Tolly, I appreciate your comments.

Fortunately I kept the envelope and I've put the number into Royal Mail Track and Trace. Unsurprisingly it comes up as 'Information on your Royal Mail signed for item is not yet available'. The letter only came on Saturday so luckily the info is still available. I have made a copy of it.

So it would make sense that this is what has happened.

I feel a bit grim about this as it's an error by Royal Mail and I'll have to go through the process once again. I actually feel devastated and exhausted by this.

I've tried phoning the Assessment Centre but can't get an answer at the moment.

Thanks again Tolly.

wellynever

If it's Capita it's quicker to email them, not sure about Atos though.