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ATOS assesment even though I've been given time

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12 years 4 months ago #93632 by DigiCism
I received a form too complete so that I may be moved from my curent income support and incapcity benefits to ESA. I suffer from quite a few chronic conditions and some affect my eyes. I had problems with my eyes and called the DWP to notify them that I would need extra time to complete the form.

The advisor said the time limit can't be extended but a note would be put on the system that I will be sending in the form late.

They also said they would issue me with a large version of the form and if I was okay to fill it in then to complete and return it, if not take some time but it has to be returned.

I have not received this form and was called yesterday by the ATOS team saying I had to be assessed face to face I explained my reason for not returning the form also mentioned to them that I haven't even sent my form in.

I asked her for more time and she refused any extension.

Can the DWP do this without any information at all? This is unfair and I should be allowed to fill in my form and return it before they can ask me to attend an assessment.

Can anybody advise as to what I should do.

Thanks in advance to anyone who can be of help.

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12 years 4 months ago #93633 by Gordon
DigiCism

Unfortunately there is no legal framework to extend the time allowed for a claimant to complete the ESA50.


Also, it is possible to for ATOS to arrange an assessment without an ESA50 being completed if they believe that for health reasons the form will not be returned.

With regard to you completing the ESA50, you can download the form as a PDF which can be edited on a computer, you should be able to zoom into the document so that you can read it. See

Using The PDF Version Of The ESA50 Questionnaire

If you can complete the form in time for the assessment, then take a copy with you to the interview and ask the ATOS "doctor" to read it before they continue. Whether you are able to do this or not, send a copy as soon as you are able to your local DWP office, for the attention of the Decision Maker.

Our ESA Claim guides are on the following link

www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/help-for-claimants/esa

If you have further questions, please reply to this thread.

Gordon

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

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  • bro58
12 years 4 months ago #93636 by bro58
Gordon wrote:

DigiCism

Unfortunately there is no legal framework to extend the time allowed for a claimant to complete the ESA50.


Also, it is possible to for ATOS to arrange an assessment without an ESA50 being completed if they believe that for health reasons the form will not be returned.

With regard to you completing the ESA50, you can download the form as a PDF which can be edited on a computer, you should be able to zoom into the document so that you can read it. See

Using The PDF Version Of The ESA50 Questionnaire

If you can complete the form in time for the assessment, then take a copy with you to the interview and ask the ATOS "doctor" to read it before they continue. Whether you are able to do this or not, send a copy as soon as you are able to your local DWP office, for the attention of the Decision Maker.

Our ESA Claim guides are on the following link

www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/help-for-claimants/esa

If you have further questions, please reply to this thread.

Gordon


Nice one Gordon :)

Hi DigiCism,

You may find the information from this link helpful, also :

ESA Medical – What to expect

bro58

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  • bro58
12 years 4 months ago #93637 by bro58
Hi DC,

You may find this information useful, which can be viewed by clicking on this link :

"Medical Services Update to Understanding Communication
This is an update to guidance given to Atos health professionals on how to interpret the Understanding communication descriptor."

Which is the 8th link down this page : ESA Guides


bro58

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