Late ESA form + medical help

Advice please: Short version..been very ill and having extensive tests/appts this year (miles away). Can't travel independently/walk far etc so reliant on getting lifts from friends/family. Health was nosediving, so had to stay with relative to look after me/drive. Missed deadline for ESA (transfer from IS) as hadn't collected post/wasn't expecting any. Called ATOS asap, informed I'd been called in for a medical (next week), and that I 'may' not need one if form accepted. Filled in form asap and sent (using guides + incl. alot of medical proof/explanation of situation/why late). The number they called me on initially (to discuss ESA) was my old landline (disconnected) and not my mobile which they've had on record for years (I would've got the form in on time if they had)
Due to call to see if I still need medical/form 'accepted'.
My medical is going to be in the morning and the centre is round the corner from my flat - I am worse in the mornings, cannot get there alone OR via cab as I need to be accompanied (steps/corridor/steps just to get to cab). I'm a nervous wreck about it all...I'm aware I've stuffed up getting form in late, but I have included a huge amount of medical backup letters detailing my conditons/problems. How should I proceed if they insist on a medical? (they have not contacted my GP or specialist). Many thanks.

Slowloris wrote: Advice please: Short version..been very ill and having extensive tests/appts this year (miles away). Can't travel independently/walk far etc so reliant on getting lifts from friends/family. Health was nosediving, so had to stay with relative to look after me/drive. Missed deadline for ESA (transfer from IS) as hadn't collected post/wasn't expecting any. Called ATOS asap, informed I'd been called in for a medical (next week), and that I 'may' not need one if form accepted. Filled in form asap and sent (using guides + incl. alot of medical proof/explanation of situation/why late). The number they called me on initially (to discuss ESA) was my old landline (disconnected) and not my mobile which they've had on record for years (I would've got the form in on time if they had)
Due to call to see if I still need medical/form 'accepted'.
My medical is going to be in the morning and the centre is round the corner from my flat - I am worse in the mornings, cannot get there alone OR via cab as I need to be accompanied (steps/corridor/steps just to get to cab). I'm a nervous wreck about it all...I'm aware I've stuffed up getting form in late, but I have included a huge amount of medical backup letters detailing my conditons/problems. How should I proceed if they insist on a medical? (they have not contacted my GP or specialist). Many thanks.

Hi S,

You have left it rather last minute, but you are allowed to rearrange a face to face once.

ATOS also have to take into account any limitations that you suffer from, and whether The ATOS Centre that you have to attend, is suitable for your access needs.

Unless you can gain some type of written confirmation that you do not have to attend tomorrow, then you must attend, or face the possibility of your benefit being stopped.

You can e-mail ATOS, as a back up, to try and create a paper trail, and gain a written response.

There is a section on the link below, where you can put your postcode in, this should tell you whether the Centre would present any access problems for you. :

www.atoshealthcare.com/claimants/locations_home

There are also contact details on the right, under :

"ESA/WCA Customer Service":

There is also a list of Centres on this link, with accessibility details, etc, :

www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/82874/res...l/2/Details.xls.html

Further ATOS contact details :

Phone : 0113 230 9175. Or E-Mail : This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

See also : ESA Medical – What to expect

bro58

Thank you very much - sorry I must have been unclear; my medical is next week. I got my form to them last Weds - phoned to confirm they had it ('yes'). I was told to ring back today/tom (giving them time to process it), to see if I still require a medical. The request for a medical was sent before they got my late form.
I know the layout of the Medical Centre and where it is; I will require a lift there, to be accompanied, lift home. There's no carpark, so I will have to be dropped off/wait for my relative to park if no bluebadge places free. There's a short flight of stairs to get in which I 'could' manage but will feel v ill afterwards (I suffer from Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia amongst other things) I'm concerned that I will be kept waiting for e.g an hour - I cannot sit/stand for this time.

Slowloris wrote: Thank you very much - sorry I must have been unclear; my medical is next week. I got my form to them last Weds - phoned to confirm they had it ('yes'). I was told to ring back today/tom (giving them time to process it), to see if I still require a medical. The request for a medical was sent before they got my late form.
I know the layout of the Medical Centre and where it is; I will require a lift there, to be accompanied, lift home. There's no carpark, so I will have to be dropped off/wait for my relative to park if no bluebadge places free. There's a short flight of stairs to get in which I 'could' manage but will feel v ill afterwards (I suffer from Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia amongst other things) I'm concerned that I will be kept waiting for e.g an hour - I cannot sit/stand for this time.

Hi S,

I read this extract of your post out of context :

"My medical is going to be in the morning"

As being, tomorrow morning.

My advice still stands, make them aware of any limitations, and if they say that you do not have to attend, obtain written confirmation.

bro58

Heh! No worries!
Thanks bro; I will take your advice - I have a horrible feeling that as my form's late I will be penalised for this...and have to attend a medical. I will attempt to at least change the time to later in the day. Am I within my rights if the wait is very lengthy to lie on the floor or to say I need to leave? I did put on my form the difficulties I will have, but will reiterate.
Thanks again.

Slowloris wrote: Heh! No worries!
Thanks bro; I will take your advice - I have a horrible feeling that as my form's late I will be penalised for this...and have to attend a medical. I will attempt to at least change the time to later in the day. Am I within my rights if the wait is very lengthy to lie on the floor or to say I need to leave? I did put on my form the difficulties I will have, but will reiterate.
Thanks again.

Hi S,

If you have informed them in advance that your limitations require "Reasonable Adjustments" as covered under sections 20-22 of The Equalities Act 2010, they are supposed to make any such adjustments, or they may be in contravention of EA2010.

If you are made to attend,I would remind them of any such requests as soon as you arrive.

I would be careful with regards to leaving the medical centre, as this may go down as a failure to attend, so again, if this does occur, get something in writing that you have attended, and that you have been given permission to leave the assessment centre due to the prolonged wait, and the adverse effects this may be causing due to your limitations.

EA2010, (Sections 20-22) :

www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/contents

bro58