Paying Missing National Insurance Contributions

Hi, I replied a few minutes ago and just wanted to update my response as I've taken some action:

I phoned the DWP and was told to send them a letter from my doctor saying I need an at home assessment which they will then pass onto Atos. They also told me to phone Atos and tell them that's what I'm doing and to cancel the appointment. I'm a bit concerned about that part as this is the second appointment I've been given.

I've organised a phone appointment with my doctor on Monday so hoping I'll be able to arrange the letter, she's written one for the same reason in the past so I'm hopeful she will do so again. I'm too exhausted to ring Atos now so I'll ring them after I've spoken to my doctor on Monday and know where I stand with the letter.

Found out today that Atos did get in touch but they were passed onto a locum who hasn't seen me before and so couldn't comment. My GP's now filled out the relevant form in support of an at home assessment. The surgery have put it in the post today.

I haven't cancelled the appointment at the assessment centre I have for Monday (19th). That is the second appointment I've been given, the first was cancelled while Atos took the time to contact the surgery and assess my suitability for an at home one.

My plan is to ring Atos on Thursday. They should have the form my GP's sent by then so I'm hoping I can use that as leverage to reschedule the assessment for an at home one. Do you think that's a reasonable course of action?

I spoke with Atos today and found out I've been refused an at home assessment because they've decided I'm physically aggressive. This has all come about because I was too honest on my form and said that at times I found it hard to control my emotions and got angry and aggressive...by which I meant I can raise my voice and swear out of frustration and a rant a bit to my mum who knows me very well and with whom I feel the most comfortable with. I've never been physically abusive. I don't have any kind of police record or note on my medical records to that effect.

The chap I spoke to was really nice about it, said that after chatting to me he didn't think there was any concern at all and that he would put in a recommendation for that decision to be dismissed and for an at home assessment to be awarded. I'm to phone on Saturday to see if the decision's been overturned.

My advice is if you need an at home appointment do not use the words 'angry' or 'aggressive' anywhere on the form. I didn't understand the power of the words I'd used and now I'm paying the price.