Help and Advice Please

I am 64 currently in the support group and had a DLA lifetime award for highest rate in both categories. I made it plain that it would be physically and mentally impossible to travel to the ATOS centre for a face to face interview. Nevertheless today eight weeks after starting the process I was sent an appointment for a face to face interview. I phoned and explained I would be unable to attend. I was told as I can make to the Dr monthly I am not considered housebound. Reluctantly it was agreed that a request would be made to review the situation with consideration given to a home visit but it was emphasised this can't really be done by ATOS.
I am to expect a reply within the week.
Question us this - what is the position if they insist I must attend a face to face assessment which if I don't attend means I am likely to have my claim disallowed?

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

Welcome to Benefits and Work

I'm afraid this is quite a common situation Have you backed up your request with a letter from your doctor? This is sometimes helpful and you are unlikely to be successful without. Even then, it is entirely at the discretion of ATOS.

There are 2 things that might help - one is to quote the Equalities Act and say that you are requesting a home assessment as 'reasonable adjustment' for your condition. The other is to get your MP involved, sometimes that can do the trick.

Contacting your MP

The claimant is allowed to postpone assessment once so, if you are sent an appointment to attend an assessment centre, you should be able to ask for it to be deferred to give you some time. However, you would then have to keep any further appointment whatever the circumstances or risk your claim being closed.

At the end of the day, if ATOS still insist that you must attend a face2face assessment your claim will be closed if you do not comply.

I am assuming that this is a switch to PIP from DLA? Your DLA will remain in payment for 4 weeks after any PIP decision.

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