Reviewed Within Atos Set Review Period?

Dear All

Even though there are two whole months remaining before I am due to be reviewed again by Atos as confirmed by their previous 12 month prognosis in writing last March I received another questionnaire today which I have to get back to them within 4 weeks. I have been placed previously in the Support Group under the EC provisions until 20 March 2013.

I just spoke to a pleasant chap at the DWP who says that his understanding is that I should not be required to be asessed within the review period and that I should ring Atos on the free phone no and complain.

But I wanted to ask first what the legal/procedural situation is. Would they be allowed to, say, end my claim within what is suppposed to be the security of my review period if they don't like the new info I send? If so, why even bother having review periods in the first place??

I would appreciate any support and advice

Kind Regards

Lone Wolf wrote: Dear All

Even though there are two whole months remaining before I am due to be reviewed again by Atos as confirmed by their previous 12 month prognosis in writing last March I received another questionnaire today which I have to get back to them within 4 weeks. I have been placed previously in the Support Group under the EC provisions until 20 March 2013.

I just spoke to a pleasant chap at the DWP who says that his understanding is that I should not be required to be asessed within the review period and that I should ring Atos on the free phone no and complain.

But I wanted to ask first what the legal/procedural situation is. Would they be allowed to, say, end my claim within what is suppposed to be the security of my review period if they don't like the new info I send? If so, why even bother having review periods in the first place??

I would appreciate any support and advice

Kind Regards

Hi LW,

The "prognosis" (Recommended length of an ESA award before reassessment) is only a recommendation.

The prognosis can not be challenged in law.

It is perfectly normal to receive a new ESA50 a few months before the end of a prognosis period.
This is to allow for the claimant to fill in and return the ESA50, (4 weeks) and for ATOS to reassess the claimant, (By face to face or paper scrutiny) and then return their recommendations to the DWP DM, who then makes the decision.

If you wish to contact ATOS :

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

My best advice would be to fill it in and return it by the deadline given.

bro58

bro58

Then I shall take your best advice!

I am very angry as it means that the resting period without being hassled is so much shorter than it ought to be... and those periods are short enough as it is!

Thank you very much nonetheless.