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The dreaded phone call...

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12 years 1 month ago #81742 by David
The dreaded phone call... was created by David
I pretty much knew this would happen, but I am still disappointed: my first ATOS medical was in 2009 and I failed to get enough points, so I appealed and finally got the points I deserved in late 2010. I attended a second ATOS medical last month, having filled in the ESA50 with much more care than the first time around and submitting evidence used at the appeal.

Well, today I got the phone call telling me I'd failed again. :angry: I know the criteria have changed (though, having ME, they should have been more in my favour), and this last couple of years has been very stressful due to living with my mother who has Alzheimers, and my health has actually got worse. But there you go, I've got to appeal and live on the appeal rate again, probably for months (I hope it doesn't last as long as last time, but I don't have much faith). I wonder if I'll get any support this time from my local CAB.

Wish me luck! :(

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12 years 1 month ago #81752 by slugsta
Replied by slugsta on topic Re: The dreaded phone call...
I am so sorry to hear this, I'm sure you could do without the extra stress! Have you looked at the appeal guides on this site? They are very helpful.

I do hope that CAB will be able to offer you help and support. If not, this site also has guides to where else you can try and find help.

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems

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12 years 1 month ago #81759 by David
Replied by David on topic Re: The dreaded phone call...
Thanks for the advice Mrs Hurtyback. I've already downloaded the latest Appeals guide and have called the CAB to find out their procedures - I have to phone around 9:30am, and if I get through(!), I'll be given call-back appointment for an initial assessment.

At least I have the comfort of having been though this before. The two people who heard the appeal last time were very friendly, so I'm not worried too much about the procedure itself. The real worry is the loss of income and having to visit my GP every few weeks for a 'fit' note, which I may have to do by taxi from time to time! :angry:

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12 years 1 month ago #81761 by Lavender
Replied by Lavender on topic Re: The dreaded phone call...
Sorry to hear you are having to go through this again in a short period of time. I too have ME, and know how much symptoms are exacerbated by both emotional and physical stress.

You mentioned that you may need to use taxi's to get to your GP. Just to let you know that my local authority has a scheme whereby people who are unable to access public transport due to disability are given £50 per annum of taxi vouchers. This may be worth exploring especially if you are to be on the assessment rate again.

Wishing you all the best with your appeal.

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12 years 1 month ago - 12 years 1 month ago #81853 by David
Replied by David on topic Re: The dreaded phone call...
Thanks Daisy - I'll certainly look into it, though I don't hold out much hope. My local authority is one of those Conservative ones which prides itself on its low council tax.
Last edit: 12 years 1 month ago by Gordon.

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12 years 1 month ago #81855 by Gordon
Replied by Gordon on topic Re: The dreaded phone call...
IsaacDavid wrote:

Thanks Daisy - I'll certainly look into it, though I don't hold out much hope. My local authority is one of those Conservative ones which prides itself on its low council tax.

You can also see if there is a local volunteer taxi service, you usually only pay for petrol.

Gordon

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