ATOS ESA medical unattending form

SoulMan wrote: I hope so

Its not like i didn't receive the form and didn't bother to contact anybody, i contacted ATOS twice and also wrote a letter to the office dealing with my claim stating i have not received this form HOWEVER im writing to you to give me reason for not attending.

I don't know if attending a funeral is classed as a valid reason or not but all i ask for now is that my reason is at least considered in the decision.

We will see if they call me tomorrow if not ill be calling the office dealing with my claim and ill keep you updated.

As important as this develpoment is, don't lose track of the fact that is the DWP, and only the DWP that can resolve this issue, as only a DWP Decision Maker can accept your Good Cause and re-instate your claim.

I have a looked at the relevant sections of the legislation and the Decision Makers Guide and there is no clear definition of what Good Cause is, I do not think you should see this as a negative, but it may have been a lot easier if there had, conversely a list that did not include bereavement would have been a problem.

If this situation appears unlikely to be resolved within the near future, you may wish to give some thought to making a new claim for ESA, whilst this will not result in payment, it will at least start a process that will result in a new appointment for a face to face assessment being made. Whether on this claim or a new one, once a f2f has been attended payments should restart.

Gordon

SoulMan wrote: If i were to start a new claim would i be paid at the assessment rate until the f2f assessment?

No, I am afraid you will not receive any payments until a you have attended a f2f or six months have elapsed.

Gordon

SoulMan wrote: Do you know how long roughly it would take for them to arrange a new medical if i were to start a new claim?

You may be able to make a new claim without completeing a new ESA1, but you will need to complete an ESA50, although you can just send a copy of your previous one as long as it is still applicable. Given the timescales for starting a new claim, being sent an ESA50, returning it and a f2f being arranged, I think it unlikely it woud be less than 5 weeks, and this takes no account of the delays currently in the system.

I'm not clear on the rules, but you may be able to apply for a Crisis Loan as an alternative to re-applying for ESA.

Gordon