PIP assessor walked out!

G

Thanks, that was helpful. I suspect that someone (MR team?) has simply deleted the "report" (Q&A) because it basically confirms what I've said all along, and has a load of nasty barbs about my disabilities. I think (hope) that the DWP has no intention of going to a tribunal, and I think that the two conversations I had with DWP staff led me to believe that they will drop it, since they have no actual case anymore. It just feels like they are dragging it out as long as they can. I hope that I can access the unredacted report at some stage, because (even) the edited version that ATOS sent me is a sobering read, for anyone who naively suspects that the system is designed to help people, or that MPs are employed because they are caring. I mean, I credulously thought (pre-assessment) that MPs would be sympathetic, interested in forming decisions based on evidence! I feel like the tabloids could make a real meal of this (which is what I said to my MP in my latest email) and (for once) I'd like to see them do so. I suspect they're more interested in Boris baby pics.

Anyway, I'll send the tribunal a letter saying it's urgent. I'll try to get hold of the full report from the DWP tomorrow, that's really the only thing left for me to do.

Gordon

Good news! I got the dreaded brown envelope. But it said my DLA will continue, so I should hopefully get some backdated payments. I might be able to buy a laptop to replace the one I sold, to get by. Which was very difficult!

I'd encourage everyone to keep going, keep fighting. Eventually it comes before an entity that isn't on a drive to merely cut costs; is more short-sighted than even I am!

Some weird things. The letter said that I had "reasons" for "not complying". Which comes as a surprise! I complied throughout! But they (presumably) don't accept that? They prolly don't want to admit that it was the assessor who was totally at fault.

Also, they say that PIP will be decided at "a later date". I dunno what gives? Am I back on the PIP journey, or (as telephone conversations implied) will they decide on paper what PIP rate I should be on? I guess I'll call them next week. If they give me PIP at a lower rate, can I go straight to a tribunal, or do I have to do that (nonsense / pointless) MR?

I called the DWP again (took an hour ish to get through, about the same again to speak to someone in charge). Apparently, telephone interviews are starting again and I have been sent back to ATOS, so the Kafkaesque nightmare will continue. At least I'm slightly more prepared. I suppose there's a chance that I'll have someone "out of area" assessing me, which can only be a positive.

Can I make anything out of the fact that I won't be able to have a witness to any phone assessment (because covid)?

Is there any way that I can use the law regarding special rules (as I have multiple disabilities / conditions none of which I can recover from) to specifically force the DWP to put me through in this category? When I told the DWP respondent, I was told that the special rules team say no. I was hoping for some chapter and verse from someone with more experience. Also jargon. They love that jargon.

It has taken nearly two years to just get me back on the PIP journey. No begining in sight. My MP has simply ignored my letters. I keep asking how long it should take, but the DWP is careful not to answer any of my questions, despite my pressing until (usually) they hang up. Is there any (time) limit to this Sisyphean garbage?

Do I have to complete another MR, if I finally get to complete an assessment (and likely get cancelled)?

Is it worth the risk of asking to record the assessment? (I've heard that the assessor will likely hang up and deem "non compliance")