Confused - receiving ESA but now another medical?

I posted my third ESA50 questionnaire (and supporting letters from mental health experts) in July this year, and have remained on full benefits, so I assumed they were finally satisfied this time.

Out of the blue, this evening, I received a phone call from ATOS, requesting that I arrange yet another medical with them. (In the past, they have written to me about appointments.) Not only did this call cause a panic attack (at a time when support services are closed, which is grossly inconsiderate) but I just don't understand why! Can anyone help with this - could it be an error on their part, or am I missing something?

Aslan wrote:

I posted my third ESA50 questionnaire (and supporting letters from mental health experts) in July this year, and have remained on full benefits, so I assumed they were finally satisfied this time.

Out of the blue, this evening, I received a phone call from ATOS, requesting that I arrange yet another medical with them. (In the past, they have written to me about appointments.) Not only did this call cause a panic attack (at a time when support services are closed, which is grossly inconsiderate) but I just don't understand why! Can anyone help with this - could it be an error on their part, or am I missing something?

Hi A,

Your benefit would remain at the same level, until the ESA WCA process was completed, and the DM had come to a decison on the re-assessment award.

You would have received written notification if the WCA process had been completed.

It would seem that they have taken longer than normal in requesting that you attend a face to face assessment.

Unless you have received a written notice of ESA award since sending in your most recent ESA50, in which case there could be an error.

They are supposed to give you 7 days notice for a face to face assessment, unless you have agreed to the contrary.

bro58

bro58 wrote:

Aslan wrote:

I posted my third ESA50 questionnaire (and supporting letters from mental health experts) in July this year, and have remained on full benefits, so I assumed they were finally satisfied this time.

Out of the blue, this evening, I received a phone call from ATOS, requesting that I arrange yet another medical with them. (In the past, they have written to me about appointments.) Not only did this call cause a panic attack (at a time when support services are closed, which is grossly inconsiderate) but I just don't understand why! Can anyone help with this - could it be an error on their part, or am I missing something?

Hi A,

Your benefit would remain at the same level, until the ESA WCA process was completed, and the DM had come to a decison on the re-assessment award.

You would have received written notification if the WCA process had been completed.

It would seem that they have taken longer than normal in requesting that you attend a face to face assessment.

Unless you have received a written notice of ESA award since sending in your most recent ESA50, in which case there could be an error.

They are supposed to give you 7 days notice for a face to face assessment, unless you have agreed to the contrary.

bro58

Hi A,

I feel I should add, that unless you receive written notification that the request for you to attend the face to face is an error, you must attend.

Failure to attend may result in your benefit being stopped.

bro58

Aslan wrote:

I posted my third ESA50 questionnaire (and supporting letters from mental health experts) in July this year, and have remained on full benefits, so I assumed they were finally satisfied this time.

Out of the blue, this evening, I received a phone call from ATOS, requesting that I arrange yet another medical with them. (In the past, they have written to me about appointments.) Not only did this call cause a panic attack (at a time when support services are closed, which is grossly inconsiderate) but I just don't understand why! Can anyone help with this - could it be an error on their part, or am I missing something?

When you say that you remained on "full benefits," did you have a WCA which placed you in either the WRAG or support group?

If so, it is possible that a further review of your ESA entitlement is being carried out, as Atos have asked you to arrange another medical? Unfortunately, you can be reviewed at any time unless your last ESA decision letter recorded a future review date? If so, you would be entitled to ask why you are being called for further review before this date. If not, you will have to comply with the Atos instruction to arrange a further medical assessment.

4 months is a hell of a long time to wait!

Really sorry to hear of your plight Aslan.

Best wishes,
Rachel

Thanks for responses - with the benefit of hindsight, I now realize I posted because of the sheer panic I felt (when any attempt at clear thinking deserts me), and I was also somewhat 'in denial' about getting yet another demand to go to yet another medical (WCA), mainly because they have been so traumatic in the past (especially the 'suicide' question). I'm in the WRAG, BTW.

Have decided to write to my MP, maybe he can tell me why the 'first, do no harm' medical ethics appear to no longer apply...