ESA face to face cancelled help

Mickpeasoup

ATOS had scheduled an appointment for a face to face assessment next Week for me, but I had a call this morning saying there's no need to attend as they've got sufficient medical evidence in their possession.

They said that the information has been sent to a DWP decision maker.

If they decide I'm fit for work, how can this be fair, as I've not had the chance to Express my problems in a face to face manner.

Anyone ever had this happen?

sportsarb

If this has happened, it’s almost certain, that you’ve been placed in one of the groups. I’ve never heard of someone being denied a WCA, then disallowed.

Now the question is, which group.

Mickpeasoup

Thank you for the reply.

I'm currently in the support group, so I'm hoping I'll be kept there.

Without chance of a face to face assessment to emphasise my problems, I won't be best pleased if they decide to put me in the WRAG.

hb2

(Unless things have changed recently) You cannot be found 'fit for work' without a face to face assessment.

Nooney123456789

They can't find you fit for work without seeing you face to face so you will definitely be getting an award.

dreamylittledream

You also can't be moved from the Support Group to the Work Related Activity Group on a paper based assessment (scrutiny) under current guidance.


It does happen on occasion (due to official error) but should (note the use of the word should there) be relatively easily resolved following a request for mandatory reconsideration.

Mickpeasoup

Thank you all for your valued input on this.

StarDestroyer

If you don't mind me asking, what kind of conditions would not require you to have a face to face assessment? I had one recently and I couldn't understand what the point was in dragging me all the way there for that. They basically just asked me the same questions as in the questionnaire and it was stressful enough having to go there at all.

Also, if anyone can answer - if I'm already in the support group, can I be moved to the WRAG after my assessment?

calcotti

StarDestroyer wrote: »

Also, if anyone can answer - if I'm already in the support group, can I be moved to the WRAG after my assessment?

The review is a complete reassessment so you can be placed back in the Support Group, moved to WRAG or found fit for work.

poppy12345

StarDestroyer wrote: »

If you don't mind me asking, what kind of conditions would not require you to have a face to face assessment? I had one recently and I couldn't understand what the point was in dragging me all the way there for that. They basically just asked me the same questions as in the questionnaire and it was stressful enough having to go there at all.

It's not so much your conditions but the evidence you send, if it's enough not to need a face to face assessment then they'll do a paper based one. Most people have face to face, so expect that.

StarDestroyer

Thank you for the clarification calcotti and poppy - makes sense now. Does being there in person really count as evidence? If they can see that you are mentally unwell does that help your case?