Help needed with ESA etc - very anxious

Hi p,

I notice that Gordon has merged this topic with a previous one.

You might want to Bookmark/Favourite this page in your internet browser so that you can find it easily.

You can then pose any further queries by replying to topic.

It helps the Mods, if all your historical posts are in the one topic thread.

bro58

Thanks for tying it all in under one topic - was not sure if this is how you were meant to do it (still learning )

Im probably being dense but is the need to be under Severe Disfunctional Disability a new criteria ?

I was approved for ESA in support group last time without a medical

Im still not sure what part of the dysfunctional part I do/do not qualify for - Im assuming its a hidden list ? Has agoraphobia / anxiety / depression / arthritis/fibromyalgia been now put on this list - I don't leave the house at all - have only left once in the last 18 months and I was sedated. I know ATOS said well you function at home etc therefore you can have an assessment ???

As for the Med 10 Im a little disturbed by this as NO I have not been in hospital in January..... not sure what to do about that now either - am I barking up the wrong tree have they had this form by mistake and now think because I went to hospital I DO go out ????? so therefore the evidence they have from me does not look like its true - Im now clutching at straws

Thank you so much for the help Im receiving so far - just to talk it through when it goes round in my head is just great

Hi just need some advice on the latest with my problems

1. DWP have now stated that they have requested more information from ATOS due to when ATOS returned my renewal with their decision they have agreed my claim for a further 18 months but on WRAG - they highlighted to ATOS that I was previously in the support group and therefore needed more information to put me in the WRAG group.

2. ATOS in response to this said "no they don't decide the groups at all DWP just want a ftf interview"

I have asked both DWP and ATOS what further info I could give them to which they have said none they just want a ftf interview.

Any comments on this would be much appreciated.

Regarding the MED 10 DWP have stated when I asked them for a copy of the Med 10 that it clearly did not belong on my file so it would be removed. They also stated that in no way did it affect my claim - again should I just leave this matter now or be concerned?

My renewal has now been going on since March and to say Im very anxious is an understatement it never leaves my mind as to what the outcome will be. My anxiety levels are really bad which then has a knock on effect, I get depressed more, have constant headaches and my IBS is severe - Im sure ATOS and DWP are not bothered about the stress this causes people and the effects that this can have on an already fragile health. Just out of interest as well ATOS tell me that I may have to wait up to three months for my interview as they are trying to move people who were previously in for a home assessment to being taken to centres by car or offered another assessment centre if they need ground floor office. SO once they have removed other people from a home assessment I may get my appointment.

Any comments would really help calm me down - thank you

peanut wrote: Hi just need some advice on the latest with my problems

1. DWP have now stated that they have requested more information from ATOS due to when ATOS returned my renewal with their decision they have agreed my claim for a further 18 months but on WRAG - they highlighted to ATOS that I was previously in the support group and therefore needed more information to put me in the WRAG group.

2. ATOS in response to this said "no they don't decide the groups at all DWP just want a ftf interview"

I have asked both DWP and ATOS what further info I could give them to which they have said none they just want a ftf interview.

Any comments on this would be much appreciated.

Regarding the MED 10 DWP have stated when I asked them for a copy of the Med 10 that it clearly did not belong on my file so it would be removed. They also stated that in no way did it affect my claim - again should I just leave this matter now or be concerned?

My renewal has now been going on since March and to say Im very anxious is an understatement it never leaves my mind as to what the outcome will be. My anxiety levels are really bad which then has a knock on effect, I get depressed more, have constant headaches and my IBS is severe - Im sure ATOS and DWP are not bothered about the stress this causes people and the effects that this can have on an already fragile health. Just out of interest as well ATOS tell me that I may have to wait up to three months for my interview as they are trying to move people who were previously in for a home assessment to being taken to centres by car or offered another assessment centre if they need ground floor office. SO once they have removed other people from a home assessment I may get my appointment.

Any comments would really help calm me down - thank you

Hi P,

I am not really sure what further comment that I could make, that has not already been made.

1. This looks like the DWP DM is questioning the evidence that ATOS have used in reassessing you as being in The WRAG, when you were previously in The SG. Therefore, it looks like the DM wants further justification of this WRAG award, and has therefore instructed ATOS to carry out a F2F.

2. ATOS don't decide on which award of ESA you receive, they make recommendations. The DWP DM can then abide by these recommendations, or make his own decision on the balance of probabilities.

You could pursue the MED 10 issue if you wish, but I cannot predict where this would go.

I can't offer any valid comment on what ATOS have told you with regards to your F2F.

Unfortunately, once it is decided that you must have a F2F, you have little choice but to comply, or face the prospect of your benefit ceasing.

There is more information on this on the ATOS website :

www.atoshealthcare.com/claimants

They must give you at least 7 days notice for a F2F, unless you agree to an earlier one.

You are allowed to rearrange a F2F once, by contacting ATOS.

bro58

Hi thanks for the reply

With regards to the face to face as Im new on here can you point me in the direction of any help for face to face assessments - also Im seeing posts about new rules(?) new forms (?) as my form was originally sent back in March/April which rules or assessment notes will I need to go by?

Thanks for any advice you can give