Feel very confused about the unexpected DWP phone

About 4 weeks ago I sent off my Appeal form GL24 re my ESA after my ATOS medical left me being awarded only 6 points and then taken out of limited capabilities. The Appeal form was completed by my CAB Advisor and I posted that off with some supporting information. Meantime, the CAB advisor had approached my GP to complete a form and my GP gave further medical information about my disabilities. My CAB Advisor said it was excellent report and posted that off last week. Yesterday, Tuesday at approx 3pm I had a call on my mobile, I did answer it and was told that it was a call from the Department of Work and Pensions the person gave me his name, he did not ask me any security questions only if I had any further information to send in or if I had sent everything for Appeal. I was quite confused and started to get distressed and anxious during the call as he said he did not have the recent GP report. Through my distress state he told me not to worry he did not want me to get upset or worry me he was only trying to ask me if I would be sending any more supporting or medical information for Appeal. He then said he was going to call back this Friday at 10am I said I preferred to have my CAB Adviser with me when he rang as I did not know what he really wanted me to do. I really feel very worried about what to do about the call on Friday and started to feel physically sick and distressed. I think I have read a few mixed posts on here concerning unexpected phone calls from DWP and I remain very confused about them. When I receive the call on Friday is this something I should be very careful with or if I cannot get appointment with CAB just ask for different day / time. I have been quite down since getting the call and wondered what others think and if they very recently experienced the same.
MEG

I think it's wise to be wary of calls from the DWP for the very reasons you have outlined, namely that they can be confusing and distressing if you're not well or don't cope well with that sort of thing.

For some people, they're a good opportunity to check that the DWP decision maker has all the information they require, though.

I think that given that you have been this distressed already, it would be best if you could have someone with you when he calls back on Friday.

Meanwhile, do you have a copy of the GP's report? If not, why not get a copy so if the DWP say they haven't got it, you can send another copy (or your CAB adviser can).

Really great advice about getting hold of the copy of GP report which I have not even seen yet but i will ring CAB Advisor for that and also see if he could be available to support me through the call on Friday.

Thank you so muchie for your advice
Meg

Hi Meg

I would always recommend when appealing a decision not to discuss the appeal or reconsideration over the phone and only correspond in writing to avoid any misunderstanding or misinterpretation of what has been said. Even more so if you are particularly distressed, confused or have difficulty understanding what the caller wants. At least you have time to read and understand a letter without pressure and should the case go to appeal, the tribunal will be able to read the full correspondence.

You can tell the DWP that you do not wish to discuss the matter over the phone, or if you have instructed a CAB advisor to represent you and handle your case, you can ask the DWP to contact your advisor directly. The GL24 form should give the DWP permission to do so.

Personally, I don't think that even if you could book an appointment with the CAB for 10am Friday you could have any confidence that the DWP will phone at this particular time. I've encountered many members on this forum who were promised a phone call from the DWP that never materialised.

But most important of all, if you don't feel comfortable talking to the DWP over the phone you are not obliged to do so; you can ask them to request information in writing.

Good luck

Derek

Sorry also meant to ask then if you feel that the call is just normal procedure and a decision maker rings to ask if everything as been sent?
Meg

Hi Derek thank you for all your good advice. I do feel in a panic wordering if my CAB Advisor can be available or even if I could manage to make it for 10am I dont even no what state I will be in to take his call! I did feel some pressure on the call, but I am dealing with an awful lot as currently I also have an Employment Tribunal going on. I just feel extreamly exhausted and depressed with it all not only with changes in my health and disability, the loss of my job after long term sickness and also my partners wornening health conditions. The process of ESA, Atos and Appeal just seem to make things worse. I know that no matter how distressed I get I have to try to make them see that mhy condition sorsened after a further op.
I am trying to remain positive but its the stress of it all and the not knowing that wears me down
Cheers
Meg