Initial Atos/DWP contact after completing an ESA50

Hi,
I would like to ask if you know how Atos initially contacts a claimant after they have returned their
ESA50 form. I believe they phone the claimant at some point. How long does it take to make contact and
does the contact come directly from Atos or the DWP, or is it contracted out? I would be grateful for any help anyone can give me with this. We live in Scotland and I sent the form to Atos in Edinburgh

jmlennon18 wrote: Hi,
I would like to ask if you know how Atos initially contacts a claimant after they have returned their
ESA50 form. I believe they phone the claimant at some point. How long does it take to make contact and
does the contact come directly from Atos or the DWP, or is it contracted out? I would be grateful for any help anyone can give me with this. We live in Scotland and I sent the form to Atos in Edinburgh

Hi j18,

You will only hear from ATOS if they decide that a face to face assessment is necessary.

If this is the case, they may phone you, however, you should receive written notification of an appointment giving at least 7 days notice, unless you have previously agreed to forgo the 7 days notice.

If ATOS feel that you have provided enough evidence in the ESA50, they will do an assessment on paper scrutiny alone, and return your file to The DWP, who will then make the decision and inform you in writing.

In either scenario, ATOS only make recommendations, and then return a report to the DWP DM who makes the final decision.

Our members are currently suffering long delays in hearing anything after returning their ESA50.

Once you are sure that ATOS have received the ESA50 by the deadline, the ball is firmly in their court.

You can of course contact ATOS for an update if you wish :

www.atoshealthcare.com/claimants

bro58

Hi,
Thanks for the info - most helpful!

Hi iv now been waiting 20 weeks, I returned the esa50 form 20 weeks yesterday via special delivery. Is this normal. Many thanks for any information.

I have read people have been waiting 6 months maybe more. Iv got an appointment with my gp tomorrow I will ask if anybody has been in touch with her. Thanks for your help.