× Members

WCA questionnaire - behaving appropriately and face2face section

More
1 year 4 months ago #281630 by Asbo
In the question about inappropriate behaviour one of the things that was proof of my meltdowns and helped with my autism diagnosis was a phone recording to the DWP where I was hugely distressed (I still have a copy from 2019) and if I was allowed reasonable adjustments to send my form by email I would have sent it (a member of my family did once manage to get an email but it took them ages arranging it).. I have mentioned about this evidence in this section about appropriate behaviour because it's relevant and I've also mentioned that I think it's cruel to knowingly trigger someone with autism and anxiety. I am now 64 and too old and tired for this fight. They really wouldn't let it go last time 4 years ago just because of one sentence from my doctor. Is it ok to mention all this? I could tippex it out but this is one of the worst traumas I had and it triggers me just writing out the reply. I can't pretend all is fine with a F2F when it would have a huge detrimental affect on my heath. I wondered if I should put In the section about Face2Face (eg any dates I'm unable to do) that my doctor has supported me for a paper based as last time. I can't cope with phone calls either because of my Autism and other conditions and have talked about this throughout the form.
Many thanks

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
1 year 4 months ago #281644 by BIS
Hi Asbo

Yes, do mention your previous experience - it's absolutely relevant. No need to tippex it out.


BIS

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

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
1 year 4 months ago #281648 by Asbo
Thank you BIS. My thoughts too. Can I also refuse permission to phone me by insisting on a paper based and writing communication ony? I have a letter from my GP too. Thanks

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
1 year 4 months ago #281653 by BIS
Hi Asbo

You can ask for your phone number to be removed from their system and ask them to communicate with you by letter. (I can't say they will comply!)

You have no right to insist on the type of assessment you are given - you can only make a request - so they may, for instance, say they will do a face-to-face assessment if a phone is not available. It's a good idea to send your doctor's letter, but the DWP has been known to ignore them on a frequent basis, and there is nothing in the law that forces them to take what a doctor says.

I would push what happened to you on the previous occasion and ask for a paper-based assessment.

BIS

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

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
1 year 4 months ago #281665 by Asbo
Thanks BIS. Last time they contacted my surgery to see if I'd attended there (this was well before Covid). I've been twice this year and always accompanied and it's a completely different situation seeing a friendly trusted GP who is on your side to a hostile assessor who isn't on your side (however friendly they may seem). Last time my GP surgery thought it was a confidentiality breach and found no record of their alleged phone call. Can I give them permission to speak only to my GP about health conditions? The idea being that I don't give them permission to ask how many times I've attended or made an econsult. They may be able to get this sort of information from the receptionists but I'm not comfortable about that. Thanks

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
1 year 4 months ago #281670 by Gary
Hi ASBO

DWP should only be speaking to your Dr about your health condition(s). I am not aware that they discuss your medical records with receptionists.

Lets see what members have to say about the subject.

Gary

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

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Moderators: GordonGaryBISCatherineWendyKellygreekqueenpeterKatherineSuper UserChrisDavid
We use cookies

We use cookies on our website. Some of them are essential for the operation of the site, while others help us to improve this site and the user experience (tracking cookies). You can decide for yourself whether you want to allow cookies or not. Please note that if you reject them, you may not be able to use all the functionalities of the site.