Atos Medicals - Questions, Answers and Support

[dynamicbaddog]

Thanks for the replies everyone
update
Feeling more positive this week. I have been to see the Disability Adviser at uni and he says he's going to write me a letter emphasising that studying is very different from working, and that I am only to able to attend uni due to the support I receive. The student union have also said they will support me should I run into difficulties.
Asking for the interview to be recorded seems to have been a good move on my part as it gives me more time to put my case together.I have not heard back from them regarding the postponed appointment and in the meantime they are continuing to pay me.

 

[chainsawjob]

They've had my ESA50 since last August, not a peep from them yet, I did ring in about December, but nothing happening. I've heard of others who've been waiting as long

So I have finally heard from them. The letter says Support Group (which I have been in up to now), and that this applies until November. So I'm not being called in for a medical. Feel strangely non-plussed, not exactly whooping with relief or celebration. I expect I will get another ESA50 next month, sigh, as they usually go out two months before the end-date they give you.

The letter makes no reference to the ESA50, and doesn't make anything explicit, just says they have looked at my claim again following a recent change (that'll be the nonsense of a ESA50 you required me to return A YEAR AGO, after putting me in the Support Group for a mere six months, when my condition has affected my ability to do full time paid work for a considerable chunk of my life ). The part that says I'm in the Support Group is just the 'How ESA has been worked out'. In fact the first thing the letter says after 'we have looked again at your claim' and you will be getting ESA, is that I qualify for the £10 Christmas Bonus It's absurd, I'm sure they have whole teams working on making their letters as obtuse and impenetrable as possible.

Anyway, and breath... the outcome was good And I have a couple of months to plan my next response. And I am actually feeling in better health of late, and have taken on a couple of voluntary things (which should be seen as positive steps to help myself, but will undoubtedly be seen as evidence I am capable of earning a full time living). Should I fess up about this work? I have waited a bit to see if it stuck, and would have answered honestly if they'd asked at a medical. I imagine it means I'll get put in the WRAG next time (if not found fit for work completely!), which I wouldn't object to if it weren't for the 365 day limit, oh and the WRA hoops you have to jump through, and it all being a pointless exercise, and the possibility of sanctions Hmmm. It was much better when you could ask for help voluntarily with job seeking, and it wasn't all done under duress, and backed up by threats. I had a really excellent New Deal advisor once. The culture has completely changed, to a punitive one.

Anyway, I digress. Maybe the fact of a Support Group decision and no medical offers some hope to others waiting a long time, that the system has ground to such a creaking halt, that they are just making these decisions now without medicals due to the enormous backlog (if indeed this has happened for others too and I didn't just get lucky this time).

 

[Puddy_Tat]

So I have finally heard from them. The letter says Support Group (which I have been in up to now), and that this applies until November. So I'm not being called in for a medical. Feel strangely non-plussed, not exactly whooping with relief or celebration. I expect I will get another ESA50 next month, sigh, as they usually go out two months before the end-date they give you.

The letter makes no reference to the ESA50, and doesn't make anything explicit, just says they have looked at my claim again following a recent change (that'll be the nonsense of a ESA50 you required me to return A YEAR AGO, after putting me in the Support Group for a mere six months, when my condition has affected my ability to do full time paid work for a considerable chunk of my life ). The part that says I'm in the Support Group is just the 'How ESA has been worked out'. In fact the first thing the letter says after 'we have looked again at your claim' and you will be getting ESA, is that I qualify for the £10 Christmas Bonus It's absurd, I'm sure they have whole teams working on making their letters as obtuse and impenetrable as possible.

Anyway, and breath... the outcome was good And I have a couple of months to plan my next response. And I am actually feeling in better health of late, and have taken on a couple of voluntary things (which should be seen as positive steps to help myself, but will undoubtedly be seen as evidence I am capable of earning a full time living). Should I fess up about this work? I have waited a bit to see if it stuck, and would have answered honestly if they'd asked at a medical. I imagine it means I'll get put in the WRAG next time (if not found fit for work completely!), which I wouldn't object to if it weren't for the 365 day limit, oh and the WRA hoops you have to jump through, and it all being a pointless exercise, and the possibility of sanctions Hmmm. It was much better when you could ask for help voluntarily with job seeking, and it wasn't all done under duress, and backed up by threats. I had a really excellent New Deal advisor once. The culture has completely changed, to a punitive one.

Anyway, I digress. Maybe the fact of a Support Group decision and no medical offers some hope to others waiting a long time, that the system has ground to such a creaking halt, that they are just making these decisions now without medicals due to the enormous backlog (if indeed this has happened for others too and I didn't just get lucky this time).

at support group.

dunno re voluntary work.

this suggests it's allowed, but doesn't go into detail.

this says you need to declare it.

if it's a relatively modest amount of voluntary work, and if it's on the basis that you can say you're not going at short notice if you're not feeling well enough that day, it is probably OK, but I don't feel qualified to give a definitive answer. The friend of mine that I've mentioned once or twice has recently had some hassle over this, but he does occasionally take on too damn much...

 

[equationgirl]

So I have finally heard from them. The letter says Support Group (which I have been in up to now), and that this applies until November. So I'm not being called in for a medical. Feel strangely non-plussed, not exactly whooping with relief or celebration. I expect I will get another ESA50 next month, sigh, as they usually go out two months before the end-date they give you.

The letter makes no reference to the ESA50, and doesn't make anything explicit, just says they have looked at my claim again following a recent change (that'll be the nonsense of a ESA50 you required me to return A YEAR AGO, after putting me in the Support Group for a mere six months, when my condition has affected my ability to do full time paid work for a considerable chunk of my life ). The part that says I'm in the Support Group is just the 'How ESA has been worked out'. In fact the first thing the letter says after 'we have looked again at your claim' and you will be getting ESA, is that I qualify for the £10 Christmas Bonus It's absurd, I'm sure they have whole teams working on making their letters as obtuse and impenetrable as possible.

Anyway, and breath... the outcome was good And I have a couple of months to plan my next response. And I am actually feeling in better health of late, and have taken on a couple of voluntary things (which should be seen as positive steps to help myself, but will undoubtedly be seen as evidence I am capable of earning a full time living). Should I fess up about this work? I have waited a bit to see if it stuck, and would have answered honestly if they'd asked at a medical. I imagine it means I'll get put in the WRAG next time (if not found fit for work completely!), which I wouldn't object to if it weren't for the 365 day limit, oh and the WRA hoops you have to jump through, and it all being a pointless exercise, and the possibility of sanctions Hmmm. It was much better when you could ask for help voluntarily with job seeking, and it wasn't all done under duress, and backed up by threats. I had a really excellent New Deal advisor once. The culture has completely changed, to a punitive one.

Anyway, I digress. Maybe the fact of a Support Group decision and no medical offers some hope to others waiting a long time, that the system has ground to such a creaking halt, that they are just making these decisions now without medicals due to the enormous backlog (if indeed this has happened for others too and I didn't just get lucky this time).

Yay at Support group

Not sure about the voluntary stuff. I'd see how you go, personally, because by November your situation might have changed again like you say. You could declare it the next time you have to do any paperwork if you're still doing it but I'm not an expert.

And yes, the letters are obtuse and usually contradictory in part. They won't win a Crystal award for plain English any time soon.

 

[Minnie_the_Minx]

It must be two years since I last did the ESA form. Reckon I must be due to receive renewal form soon

 

[Minnie_the_Minx]

Yep, just checked. Mid-October 2012 got into Support Group. God, can't believe it's come around so fast

 

[equationgirl]

Yep, just checked. Mid-October 2012 got into Support Group. God, can't believe it's come around so fast

That IS fast, shit, time has flown by really quickly. What will you do, use the same information as you did in 2012?

 

[Minnie_the_Minx]

That IS fast, shit, time has flown by really quickly. What will you do, use the same information as you did in 2012?

Can't really as not under the same treatment

 

[equationgirl]

Can't really as not under the same treatment

Bum.

You know I'm happy to help you when the time comes. We can do it the same way as last time if you like?

 

[Minnie_the_Minx]

Bum.

You know I'm happy to help you when the time comes. We can do it the same way as last time if you like?

That would be lovely. Thanks for the very kind offer. For now though, I'm just going to try and forget about it as I'll only get stressed

 

[chainsawjob]

Hang on, I've just remembered what I posted a few pages back about reassessments being on hold for anyone not already in the process (this was announced in feb). Wonder if this is still the case, will have to see if I can find out (although I'm sure it can all change, law unto themselves and all that).

Thanks for the replies about voluntary work Puddy_Tat and equationgirl , I think I'll hang fire on telling them just for now, it isn't many hours a week.

 

[equationgirl]

That would be lovely. Thanks for the very kind offer. For now though, I'm just going to try and forget about it as I'll only get stressed

Best thing to do I think, until the actual form arrives.

 

[Celt]

Reassesments don't seem to be happening here, my friend got support group for 12 months in May 2013 and has had no reassesment forms, Minnie_the_Minx I think there are a lot of people who have passed their expected re-asses date, and I am sure will at some time be sent the forms and start again, we have to hang on to the knowledge that we did it once and with the support of people here and elsewhere will get through it again, you are rght to try and forget it at the moment, but have some plan for when it does come .

 

[Minnie_the_Minx]

Best thing to do I think, until the actual form arrives.

Half the reason I avoid this thread now is because it's a constant reminder that one day you'll get another brown envelope, and I just don't need it

Reassesments don't seem to be happening here, my friend got support group for 12 months in May 2013 and has had no reassesment forms, Minnie_the_Minx I think there are a lot of people who have passed their expected re-asses date, and I am sure will at some time be sent the forms and start again, we have to hang on to the knowledge that we did it once and with the support of people here and elsewhere will get through it again, you are rght to try and forget it at the moment, but have some plan for when it does come .

Well fingers crossed then. Have no plan for when it comes except to copy most from last form (deleting all the stuff that's no longer relevant)

 

[treelover]

Hope its ok to post this on here, but from now on, The DWP have instigated a new anti-fraud/error system in place for all benefits, its very complex so I have posted the details here, but to summArise the new 'performance measurement teams' will visit unannounced and check all a claimants benefits and h/benefit, dla, esa, cs, pension credit, savings, capital, etc, child support. It can be a long and complex interview and clearly very stressful, the officer will also observe all your activity/behaviour and contrast it with what you have put on the forms, etc. They will be obliged to look for anything that can be construed as 'suspicious' it will be very robust and its clear they want to get back as much revenue as they can from errors and find new 'fraud' cases before the general election.

there are caveats, if you are not in, a number of times, they have to arrange a visit, but its really severe stuff, probably worse than the old Benefit Integrity Project, the DWP will make mistakes, etc and I hope it is challenged,

The info is on benefits and work site(subscription), but if equation girl or someone wants it I may be able to email or google for more.

 

[equationgirl]

Hope its ok to post this on here, but from now on, The DWP have instigated a new anti-fraud/error system in place for all benefits, its very complex so I have posted the details here, but to summArise the new 'performance measurement teams' will visit unannounced and check all a claimants benefits and h/benefit, dla, esa, cs, pension credit, savings, capital, etc, child support. It can be a long and complex interview and clearly very stressful, the officer will also observe all your activity/behaviour and contrast it with what you have put on the forms, etc. They will be obliged to look for anything that can be construed as 'suspicious' it will be very robust and its clear they want to get back as much revenue as they can from errors and find new 'fraud' cases before the general election.

there are caveats, if you are not in, a number of times, they have to arrange a visit, but its really severe stuff, probably worse than the old Benefit Integrity Project, the DWP will make mistakes, etc and I hope it is challenged,

The info is on benefits and work site(subscription), but if equation girl or someone wants it I may be able to email or google for more.

If you could get a source for it that would be helpful. Thanks.

 

[purenarcotic]

I am a member of benefits and work and can't find this anywhere.

I have also googled 'performance measurement and benefits' and can't find anything relating to this.

 

[treelover]

its hard to find, but its in the member only guides section under, Employment & Support Allowance, then DWP employment and support allowances resources, you can also google the title from my post


DWP its going to be a nightmare for claimants in the future, its only a selected percentage but I'm sure it will be extended.

I should have mentioned the doc is the guidance these teams are given

 

[equationgirl]

This has been discussed at length on this thread: http://www.urban75.net/forums/threads/dwp-planning-home-visits-to-check-benefits.324813/page-6

Seems to be have been prompted by some information going up on the government website.

And treelover you posted on that thread.

 

[equationgirl]

In any case, further discussion should take place on the thread devoted to it.

 

[treelover]

oK, memory, but please do look at the guidance, its not a minor thing.

 

[equationgirl]

oK, memory, but please do look at the guidance, its not a minor thing.

I know it's not, but there's a whole thread devoted to it, so no need to have a discussion about it here.

 

[Celt]

Hope its ok to post this on here, but from now on, The DWP have instigated a new anti-fraud/error system in place for all benefits, its very complex so I have posted the details here, but to summArise the new 'performance measurement teams' will visit unannounced and check all a claimants benefits and h/benefit, dla, esa, cs, pension credit, savings, capital, etc, child support. It can be a long and complex interview and clearly very stressful, the officer will also observe all your activity/behaviour and contrast it with what you have put on the forms, etc. They will be obliged to look for anything that can be construed as 'suspicious' it will be very robust and its clear they want to get back as much revenue as they can from errors and find new 'fraud' cases before the general election.

there are caveats, if you are not in, a number of times, they have to arrange a visit, but its really severe stuff, probably worse than the old Benefit Integrity Project, the DWP will make mistakes, etc and I hope it is challenged,

The info is on benefits and work site(subscription), but if equation girl or someone wants it I may be able to email or google for more.

That is really scary, can we please have some confirmation of its validity other than from behind a paywall?

 

[Celt]

oK, memory, but please do look at the guidance, its not a minor thing.

I don't understand what this means?

 

[treelover]

That is really scary, can we please have some confirmation of its validity other than from behind a paywall?

if you google 'performance measurement' dwp', or go on disability benefit sites its all over them,

Celt
the documentation behind the paywall is that provided to the PMT's, its the gold standard, but someone will have to consider downloading and summarising,

and apologies for posting here, there is a mega thread I now see

sorry, that all I can add

 

[purenarcotic]

I've found it now. The site has put up the guidance notes for staff on why and how visits should be conducted.

Those being visited have a right to refuse entry to the worker; workers should attempt to rearrange visits and, if they think visits are being refused because there is fraud occurring, cases should be referred to the fraud team for investigation.

If you need someone to act on your behalf then visits MUST be prearranged. There's quite a lot about making sure you have your official ID on you but you shouldn't hand it over to claimants. Lots of stuff about being pleasant and friendly.

 

[Celt]

Hope its ok to post this on here, but from now on, The DWP have instigated a new anti-fraud/error system in place for all benefits,....

to be honest I don't think here is an appropriate place to post it, this thread being Atos medicals, questions answers and support, and I don't see the details as being any of these,

 

[treelover]

narco

great, hope it helps

if it worrying people then I can delete it all, but I think its very useful information
a
btw, I've apolgised

 

[tufty79]

There is also a list (from a few weeks/months back) of those who are exempted from unnotified visits - will see if I can find it later.

Edited in: "There are also certain classes of claimant who should never receive an unannounced visit, including:

“customers suffering from depression or a medically defined mental illness
customers with an alcohol or drug-related dependency
disabled customers where there is evidence from the preview information that they may be distressed if an MRO calls unannounced. “

However, where the visiting officer suspects, on the basis of your files, that you may be committing fraud they can still carry out an un-notified visit even if you are in one of the categories above"

From the b&w newsletter
http://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/news/2837-newsletter-30-july-2014

 

[equationgirl]

narco

great, hope it helps

if it worrying people then I can delete it all, but I think its very useful information
a
btw, I've apolgised

It is useful, but I do think it will further worry people who are already stressed out and worried about completing this form. You may as well leave it now - perhaps put it in spoiler tags so that people can choose not to read it on this thread if needs be - but please in future don't post similar material on this thread unless it's directly concerning the Atos/ESA process, and especially not if there's already a lengthy thread on the subject.

I know you've apologised and that's appreciated, but please just think before you post next time.