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7 years 3 weeks ago #182737 by Dorcas1
Saying Hi! was created by Dorcas1
Hi everyone. I joined today and thought I'd say a quick hello. I'm 66 (on Wednesday) and am currently having my PIP reviewed with a face-to-face Atos medical assessment on 7th March at an assessment centre 35 mls away as the crow flies; despite there being an assessment centre 15 mls away.
I have RA and other auto-immune conditions and have severely limited mobility. I've had 13 operations 7 of which were total joint replacements and am awaiting another total hip replacement. Last year my DLA Higher rate mobility and Higher rate Care was changed to Enhanced rate mobility but Standard rate care. I asked for reconsideration but the atos decision was unchanged.
I'm dreading another medical assessment with Atos as I'm sure most people do! Hoping for a change of venue and a competent result. I wonder what the likelihood of that is!

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7 years 3 weeks ago #182770 by Gordon
Replied by Gordon on topic Saying Hi!
Dorcas

Welcome to the forum, you might want to have a look at the following FAQ which explain where everything is

Welcome to Benefits and Work

The PIP Assessment Providers seem to rely on their computer system to book the first appointment available, it's usually possible to rearrange this for one that is closer and more convenient, however, be aware that you can only move the appointment once, so if you do cancel the existing one then make sure that you book the new one while you are on the phone or you risk them booking one that is still inconvenient.

Gordon

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems

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7 years 2 weeks ago #182792 by David
Replied by David on topic Saying Hi!
Hi Dorcas
Happy birthday for wednesday :) When you moved onto PIP last year, was it dated before or after your retirement date ? I ask in respect of the mobility/retirement factor

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7 years 4 days ago #184474 by Dorcas1
Replied by Dorcas1 on topic Saying Hi!
Hello David. Sorry for taking so long to respond, and thanks for the birthday wishes! My PIP transfer date was after my retirement date. I'm unaware of the mobility/retirement factor you mentioned?

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7 years 4 days ago #184476 by Dorcas1
Replied by Dorcas1 on topic Saying Hi!
Thanks Gordon! It has taken me time to find my way around the site so your pointer was very welcome.
I did manage to change my appointment to the nearer assessment centre in Glasgow; as you suggested I took the appointment offered (which was at 9am..a murderous time to travel in for)rather than lose the slot.
I found the extensive notes on here about preparing for the medical assessment extremely helpful; it was an eye opener in terms of understanding how the process works, the importance of key words, and what exactly the assessor is considering. It certainly prepared me for the ATOS medical and I am so grateful for the advices.
Amazingly I found the assessor helpful and she began by saying that she had read all of my file, including the previous reconsideration decision of last year and the accompanying medical / hospital reports, letters etc. She did not physically exam me at all? and said that it wasn't necessary as she had all the information needed for her report from our discussion and evidences.
Now it's a waiting game!
Thanks again for the welcome....
The following user(s) said Thank You: helenw

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7 years 4 days ago #184492 by Gordon
Replied by Gordon on topic Saying Hi!
Dorcas

PIP Decisions seem to be taking about 2-4 weeks at the moment.

Gordon

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
The following user(s) said Thank You: Dorcas1

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