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Phone assessment for ESA
- Adam
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3 years 1 month ago #266884 by Adam
Phone assessment for ESA was created by Adam
Hi all
Just had my second attempt at a phone assessment which didn't go too well because of my anxiety. Have been told twice now that i can't have anybody on the phone with me because i have no assigned an "appointee"to which i don't even remember being asked. I have now tried and failed to get through two interviews but both of the assessors became frustrated for my lack comprehension in what they was asking and my inability to recall certain bits of IMO trivial info which don't really address the core of my reason for claiming in the first place. A distinct lack of empathy and dare i say tolerance seems to be par the norm with assessors i have dealt with
They've now said that due to me being unable to complete both interviews and provide the necessary information that they are passing this off to the DWP as "incomplete"since i know the DWP loves to use doublespeak, what exactly does that mean? Does this mean i may have to reclaim all over again, or will i just be expected to do another interview at some other point in time?
Also, how do i assign somebody to speak on my behalf. Assessors love telling me i cannot do this, because i haven't provided info to do so, but they haven't told me how to rectify that and i can't dind any info about how to on .gov.uk
I don't see the point in being asked questions about my mobility either when my conditions (anxiety, depression, schizo affective disorder, and agoraphobia)are purely mental conditions
Thanks all
Just had my second attempt at a phone assessment which didn't go too well because of my anxiety. Have been told twice now that i can't have anybody on the phone with me because i have no assigned an "appointee"to which i don't even remember being asked. I have now tried and failed to get through two interviews but both of the assessors became frustrated for my lack comprehension in what they was asking and my inability to recall certain bits of IMO trivial info which don't really address the core of my reason for claiming in the first place. A distinct lack of empathy and dare i say tolerance seems to be par the norm with assessors i have dealt with
They've now said that due to me being unable to complete both interviews and provide the necessary information that they are passing this off to the DWP as "incomplete"since i know the DWP loves to use doublespeak, what exactly does that mean? Does this mean i may have to reclaim all over again, or will i just be expected to do another interview at some other point in time?
Also, how do i assign somebody to speak on my behalf. Assessors love telling me i cannot do this, because i haven't provided info to do so, but they haven't told me how to rectify that and i can't dind any info about how to on .gov.uk
I don't see the point in being asked questions about my mobility either when my conditions (anxiety, depression, schizo affective disorder, and agoraphobia)are purely mental conditions
Thanks all
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- BIS
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3 years 1 month ago #267175 by BIS
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by BIS on topic Phone assessment for ESA
Hi Adam
I am sorry that it has taken so long to reply to your query.
I am not sure why you have been told that you are not able to have a companion with you when you have an assessment. This is blatantly untrue. I have copied a section from the government's guide for health professionals conducting PIP assessments. You can choose a companion and they can be on a call with you.
www.gov.uk/government/publications/perso...ith-the-pip-process\
As you can see you have been given the wrong information and if you are able to you should question and or complain about this.
I would ring the DWP and ask them what is going on - and ask for a call back from a Case Manager. You are entitled to this. Don't expect the call handler to be able to give this information. Obviously, this may be very challenging for you. If you have someone who can ring on your behalf that would help, but you would need to be on the same call so you could give your permission. I don't know if you have anyone who can help you with this.
The assessors will always ask about mobility because activity 1 encompasses mental health difficulties as well as physical difficulties.
BIS
I am sorry that it has taken so long to reply to your query.
I am not sure why you have been told that you are not able to have a companion with you when you have an assessment. This is blatantly untrue. I have copied a section from the government's guide for health professionals conducting PIP assessments. You can choose a companion and they can be on a call with you.
Companions at consultations
1.6.52 Claimants have a right to be accompanied to consultation if they so wish. Claimants should be encouraged to involve another person at consultations where they would find this helpful – for example, to reassure them or to help them during the consultation. The person chosen is at the discretion of the claimant and might be, but is not limited to, a parent, family member, friend, carer or advocate.
1.6.53 On most occasions the claimant is likely to have one, or possibly 2, companions. There may be very occasional circumstances where the claimant reasonably requires the support of more companions and this would be acceptable. If the HP has reason to believe that the companion(s) are attending for a reason other than to support the claimant, the HP has the right to decline the presence of the companion(s) at the assessment. These occasions are expected to be rare.
1.6.54 Consultations should predominantly be between the HP and the claimant. However, the companions may play an active role in helping claimants answer questions where the claimant or HP wishes them to do so. HPs should allow a companion to contribute and should record any evidence they provide. This may be particularly important where the claimant has a mental, cognitive or intellectual impairment. In such cases the claimant may not be able to give an accurate account of their health condition or impairment, through a lack of insight or unrealistic expectations of their own ability. In such cases it will be essential to get an accurate account from the companion.
1.6.55 However, the involvement of companions should be handled appropriately by the HP. It is essential that the HP’s advice considers the details given by the claimant and the companion and whether one or both are understating or overstating the needs. If the presence of a companion becomes disruptive to the consultation, the HP may ask them to leave. However, this should be avoided wherever possible.
1.6.56 HPs should use their judgement about the presence of companions during any examination. A companion should be in the room for an examination only if both the claimant and the HP agree. Companions should take no part in examinations.
1.6.57 The presence and involvement of any companion at a consultation should be recorded in the assessment report.
www.gov.uk/government/publications/perso...ith-the-pip-process\
As you can see you have been given the wrong information and if you are able to you should question and or complain about this.
I would ring the DWP and ask them what is going on - and ask for a call back from a Case Manager. You are entitled to this. Don't expect the call handler to be able to give this information. Obviously, this may be very challenging for you. If you have someone who can ring on your behalf that would help, but you would need to be on the same call so you could give your permission. I don't know if you have anyone who can help you with this.
The assessors will always ask about mobility because activity 1 encompasses mental health difficulties as well as physical difficulties.
BIS
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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