the "do you want to work?" question at ESA medical

I would not say to an Atos ADA "I would like to work but...".

Atos are good at misinterpreting what a claimant says and I would not expect them to hear anything after the word 'but'.

Just say it is not relevant because the effect of your health problems preclude it. Tell them you wish you didnt have the disability but with it, work is not possible


if you really want to work dont whatever you do tell ATOS

In any case it seems an unlikely question to be asked at the medical exam. ATOS are more interested in getting you to say you can get up, get dressed, make a cup of tea, walk the dog, type an email on the computer, watch soaps on TV, etc.

Each statement of any small acheivement will then be taken to prove you have much bigger abilities and therefore do not match the descriptors. So you do not get the correct points and do not get awarded ESA.

You will then have to go through the appeals process to get the opportunity to talk to some people (the hearing panel) who will try to find out what you realistically can do or cannot do. This is more like a normal conversation between human beings and is your best chance to communicate the reality of your daily life. You just have to wait 6, 9 or 12 months before you can do it - and live on bread and water meanwhile.

What a tragic farce!

I have thought about this all day
I would tell them "no don't be stupid"

originaldave wrote:

I have thought about this all day
I would tell them "no don't be stupid"

I hope that was Tongue in cheek . Doesn't pay, no matter how you feel, to get into direct confrontation with the ATOS examiner.
I think anyone would have be completely insane to go through this degrading farce if they are fit enough to work.

. But then surely they would pass on mental health issues. (that was a joke).

Graham wrote:

originaldave wrote:

I have thought about this all day
I would tell them "no don't be stupid"

I hope that was Tongue in cheek . Doesn't pay, no matter how you feel, to get into direct confrontation with the ATOS examiner.
I think anyone would have be completely insane to go through this degrading farce if they are fit enough to work.

. But then surely they would pass on mental health issues. (that was a joke).

No if I was asked that question by someone with my medical records then thats what I would say .... I would also say to them by asking such a question if they have all the facts . I would question there skill to the GMC and I assure you I would do that