ESA50 return address ATOS

HI ! Quick question why is esa50 adressed to atos and not dwp decision maker before medical request is sent is this normal
Thanks

matchseller wrote:

HI ! Quick question why is esa50 adressed to atos and not dwp decision maker before medical request is sent is this normal
Thanks

Hi,

Yes that is the normal procedure.

Ideally the ESA50 would be scored by a Decision Maker prior to a medical being arranged incase no medical is required, however the process is somewhat automated and it expects that a medical will be needed, hence the ESA50 first goes to ATOS.

Not ideal but sadly that is the procedure.

Pete

Hi Pete.

Do you know the logic behind the request that additional medical evidence is kept separate from the IB/ESA50 and sent direct to Jobcentre Plus?

Best wishes

Catherine wrote:

Hi Pete.

Do you know the logic behind the request that additional medical evidence is kept separate from the IB/ESA50 and sent direct to Jobcentre Plus?

Best wishes

Hi,

I think the logic is, that if further evidence is being sent over and above (or even after) the IB50/ESA50 is sent, then that information is going to the person who is actually making the decision to award/not award benefit.

If it was only sent to ATOS and the WCA/Medical had already been carried out, by the time the extra medical reports wing their way over to the DWP there is a chance the DM would have already made a decision without knowledge or sight of the reports.

At least if they are sent directly to the DWP, they should be there with the Atos Medical reports/ESA50 etc and other evidence to help the DM make the best informed decision on a claim.

Pete

I believe that ATOS get paid the same whether or not they see the claimant, and although the company appreciates the political imperative is to reduce the number of sickness benefit, it does mean that a great number of claimants will be able to have the green light from ATOS without being seen. It means every effort should be made to put together the ESA50 contents, and add any extra pages/ supporting evidence

Always have it in mind that a busy ATOS HCP likes an easy life, and so don't ramble into excessive detail, but make sure the situation is clearly set out, an