Medical Examination with ATOS affecting DLA

[taraquin]

Everyone is a tax payer in some form, so your argument makes no sense. Why would ATOS's assessment be better than a qualified GP / consultant who has access to their patients notes?

 

Yes they would. They look at the situation from a different perspective. The DWP assessment is purely to examine if you fit the criteria set for DLA, not how ill you are, what your medical history is or what medication you take.

 

Being a taxpayer then, do you not feel that it is right that there are checks put in place to make sure that only those that are entitled get it? After all it is your money that is being paid out to them.

[Nystagmite]

Give the farce that DWP have made with regards to telling me I don't have one of the common side effects of my disability, I am really against them testing me. The medical history is relevant here - how else would they know whether someone had an operation or not?

 

I have had enough medical procedures done to me this year, (I am waiting for my 11th hospital appointment to come through) why do I need any more?

[pooky2483]

I think that the award for DLA should be reviewed in the light of any assessment carried out for the DWP.

 

The idea of one annual 'MOT' assessment for all benefits combined would not be a bad thing.

 

That's ridiculous, my ex-wife has a sister who has Cerebral Palsy and is Severely Disabled, she is in a wheelchair from the moment she is up, to the moment she is put to bed, she needs 24 hour care.

 

I remember my ex once complaining that they got a letter telling her sister that she HAD TO ATTEND a meeting to have one of these so-called MOT's. and to see if she's fit to work. Surely they would have it on record that she is clearly NOT and should not have wasted their or her time.

[keldas]

Repeated testing for people whose health will never improve is wasting tax payer money. It should not be beyond the wit of Governement to put something in place that once a person has had a proper medical diagnosis along with a follow up check from another party that the person could be registered as never having to undergo an examination again as he fulfills the criteria.

[Nystagmite]

Surely they would have it on record that she is clearly NOT and should not have wasted their or her time.

 

You would have thought so; but they don't. A friend had a home medical for ESA. The doctor was horrified when he turned up and had to assess her. It was clear to him that she's in no fit state to work.

 

Yet, 6 weeks ago, they decided that she should go straight into the support group.

[simrankhan21]

I am currently waiting on appeal for esa I received 6 points. I weigh 32 stones and suffer from severe pain right hand side of my body my currently health has got worse panic attacks and severe depression I recieve high rate for mobility and medium care and I Am threat to self harm so there was a change of circumstance in my care needs which would get me high rate care so if my sisters apply for me will they use my esa report I mean I also suffer from incontence will they stop my dla totally I am seeing mental health worker.

[assisted blonde]

I get Higher rate DLA (terminal cancer which has spread) but I still work full time, the important thing for me is the car and blue badge as this makes it possible for me to work at the moment, however I would not have a problem being assesed every year as there are too many people who get sickness benefits who shouldnt be. Actually every year would be great as it means I have lasted longer than the 6 months they estimated and that was a year ago.

[keldas]

I get Higher rate DLA (terminal cancer which has spread) but I still work full time, the important thing for me is the car and blue badge as this makes it possible for me to work at the moment, however I would not have a problem being assesed every year as there are too many people who get sickness benefits who shouldnt be. Actually every year would be great as it means I have lasted longer than the 6 months they estimated and that was a year ago.

Why do you assume that there are too many people who get sickness benefits who shouldn't be, particularly when DLA has one of the lowest fraud rates of any disability. I am sorry that you have terminal cancer but I wonder if you get your DLA disallowed if you will still be so complacent.

[oscar123]

I get Higher rate DLA (terminal cancer which has spread) but I still work full time, the important thing for me is the car and blue badge as this makes it possible for me to work at the moment, however I would not have a problem being assesed every year as there are too many people who get sickness benefits who shouldnt be. Actually every year would be great as it means I have lasted longer than the 6 months they estimated and that was a year ago.

 

Who are you to judge whether other people should be getting sickness benefit or not? Many people have invisible, unseen disabilities for example and many more choose not to tell everyone how they are affected by their impairment. Perhaps people are frightened of reassessment simply because of the stress involved or because they have a problem with appointments etc etc. Additionally, when claimants sign an application form for benefits, they sign to say that if their circumstances should change, they will notify the DWP. So regular reassessments should not be necessary.

[Nystagmite]

Exactly, Oscar. Some of us undergo regular assessments to check we're not getting any worse / developing new problems. Some of these assessments can be painful. Why should I have to undergo more medicals? Why isn't my GPs and consultants word good enough?

 

The fraud rate for DLA is 0.5% per year. Or 1 in 200.

[assisted blonde]

I think you are missing my point if you have to have a medical once a year to ensure that you are eligible or getting the correct rate of DLA I really cant see the problem. As for people getting DLA when they are not entitled to it there are and always will be people who play the system and for everyone who claims a benefit they are not entitled to they are taking money from those who are. For some people it is a way of life and I am not judging people and saying who should get sickness benefit I am just saying that regular assesments are not unreasonable. And if my claim had been disallowed because I didnt fit the criteria then so be it I have worked since I was 16 and never claimed a benefit and I only applied for DLA because I wanted to carry on full time work while I could and I couldnt work without a car. I do know people who get DLA who really shouldnt but I also know people who should be claiming but wont because they are too proud. So I am not judging just making an observation. I also dont think your opening sentance "Who are you" was necessary as it is quite confrontational.

[keldas]

DLA may be just assessed on a yearly basis or every few years but ESA for many means an assessment every 6 monts. Any way DLA is soon to be changed to PIP which has a tougher criteria and I don't think from what I have read that many people who currently work and claim DLA will be eligible to claim PIP.

 

Many people though have medical conditions which will not improve just deteriorate and don't you think it a waste of public money to keep reassessing those individuals. If the Government would use its zeal for tackling tax avoidance in the same way it goes after benefit fraud I wouldn't have a problem but it seems to have a tough law for the poor and a lax law for the rich.

[Nystagmite]

Exactly, Keldas. I already have some painful assessments each year from the hospital. Why do I need to prove again and again that I'm disabled?

[Life-Goes-On]

I'm surprised someone that was expected to live 6 months a year ago has faith in medicals!

[assisted blonde]

Why wouldnt I have faith in medicals? as with everything else they cannot be 100% accurate but I cant see any alternative. My GP wanted to sign me off permanently from work last year I disagreed and changed DRs and am now back at work, but without being assesed for DLA and getting a mobility car I wouldnt be able to get to work. So I am one of the lucky ones. Prehaps I am just a realist and more pragmatic than a lot of people. Not sure where the Tax comments come from but just to play Devils advocate If someone is avoiding paying all their tax then hopefully they are paying some and the fact thast they are not paying means they have more disposable income which helps the economy if they spend more money, if there is more money in the economy then its got to be better for everyone both those who recieve benefits and those who dont. I would avoid paying all my tax if I could !!

[Nystagmite]

An alternative would just be to contact the persons GP and consultants and get their opinion. After all, they're trusted to diagnose and treat us. Why can't they be trusted to say whether we're fit for work?

[keldas]

Why wouldnt I have faith in medicals? as with everything else they cannot be 100% accurate but I cant see any alternative. My GP wanted to sign me off permanently from work last year I disagreed and changed DRs and am now back at work, but without being assesed for DLA and getting a mobility car I wouldnt be able to get to work. So I am one of the lucky ones. Prehaps I am just a realist and more pragmatic than a lot of people. Not sure where the Tax comments come from but just to play Devils advocate If someone is avoiding paying all their tax then hopefully they are paying some and the fact thast they are not paying means they have more disposable income which helps the economy if they spend more money, if there is more money in the economy then its got to be better for everyone both those who recieve benefits and those who dont. I would avoid paying all my tax if I could !!

 

I find it odd that you seem to be complaing on the one had about people who you think are getting benefits they shouldn;t be and then you go on to say you support people who try to avoid paying their income tax. Do you not see the contradiction in that?

[assisted blonde]

Not really those avoiding paying all of their income tax are at least putting somthing in, those who are claiming fraudulently or recieving benefits they are not entitled to are taking out and taking away from those who deserve help. My view my be a little clouded from knowing of people working the benefit system and i do know of people who have been unemployed and then become "disabled". I agree that consultants should be able to say if someone is fit for work or not, I do have a problem with general GPS though making long term assesments as they dont have the specialist knowledge and as with my previous GP are in some cases too quick to write people off and there are GPs who will agree to sign someone off as long term sick just to get them out of the surgery. I will state quite catagorically though that I have no problem at all with anyone who is genuinely disabled or who has serious health issues getting all of the help they need. But I think we are now getting away from the original post as this discussion is not really of any use to anyone, if youy know of any discussion groups where we can carry it on let me know and I will happily continue.

Edited March 8, 2012 by assisted blonde
pressed submit by mistake and hadnt finished my comment

[Nystagmite]

Not really those avoiding paying all of their income tax are at least putting somthing in, those who are claiming fraudulently or recieving benefits they are not entitled to are taking out and taking away from those who deserve help.

 

eh? Many who avoid paying tax are avoiding putting something in all together. Both are just as bad.

[assisted blonde]

True I suppose there will always be those who manage to play the system.

[wobbly]

Hi Nystagmite,

The reason our docs/consultants cant be trusted is because they arent controllable by the DWP,the DWP tell ATOS what to do and are their paymasters!.Thow shall fail xxx etc.

[assisted blonde]

Medicals are different from tests, one is to assess treatment the other is to assess fitness.

Edited March 9, 2012 by assisted blonde
changes to content

[oscar123]

I think you are missing my point if you have to have a medical once a year to ensure that you are eligible or getting the correct rate of DLA I really cant see the problem. As for people getting DLA when they are not entitled to it there are and always will be people who play the system and for everyone who claims a benefit they are not entitled to they are taking money from those who are. For some people it is a way of life and I am not judging people and saying who should get sickness benefit I am just saying that regular assesments are not unreasonable. And if my claim had been disallowed because I didnt fit the criteria then so be it I have worked since I was 16 and never claimed a benefit and I only applied for DLA because I wanted to carry on full time work while I could and I couldnt work without a car. I do know people who get DLA who really shouldnt but I also know people who should be claiming but wont because they are too proud. So I am not judging just making an observation. I also dont think your opening sentance "Who are you" was necessary as it is quite confrontational.

 

It is not me that is missing the point but you. I have already explained why some people might find regular assessments unreasonable. Just because you don't mind regular reassessments, doesn't mean that no one else will either. As I have said, it is not for you to judge whether other people should be getting benefits. Contrary to the myth that you seem to be perpetuating, it is not easy to obtain sickness and disability benefits and as already stated, you might not know everything or indeed anything about the condition(s) of the people you are so quick to judge.

[my-spirit-soars-free]

Given how many people are, still, managing to get disability benefits fraudulently, there is no way we will be freed from the repeated assessments.

 

I know one person who has a motability car for back problems who can play badminton for an hour. I know a "single" mother who is so crippled by depression and back pain that she get higher rate DLA - she can walk the kids to school, then carry the shopping home, back to the father of her children who has "forgotten" to change his official address to reflect where he actually lives.

 

I am therefore accepting of the need to keep checking, as many people "forget" to tell the benefits people when they recover - just like people "forget" to tell the blue badge people when their relative dies, and "forget" to stop using the badge.

 

I know people who state they always use blue badge spaces as they are as disabled as 90% of the people who have blue badges. I have also had abuse for "not needing my wheelchair" because I can walk from the boot of the car to the drivers seat - because the perception is that so many people pretend to be disabled to get the benefits.

 

People do recover their health. People have even been accepted for special circumstances payments, and they are still alive 10 years later. I think we are going to have to accept the governments need to keep checking - given that people are very poor at saying "no thanks, I no longer need that money".

[Nystagmite]

Given how many people are, still, managing to get disability benefits fraudulently, there is no way we will be freed from the repeated assessments.

 

I know one person who has a motability car for back problems who can play badminton for an hour. I know a "single" mother who is so crippled by depression and back pain that she get higher rate DLA - she can walk the kids to school, then carry the shopping home, back to the father of her children who has "forgotten" to change his official address to reflect where he actually lives.

 

I am therefore accepting of the need to keep checking, as many people "forget" to tell the benefits people when they recover - just like people "forget" to tell the blue badge people when their relative dies, and "forget" to stop using the badge.

 

I know people who state they always use blue badge spaces as they are as disabled as 90% of the people who have blue badges. I have also had abuse for "not needing my wheelchair" because I can walk from the boot of the car to the drivers seat - because the perception is that so many people pretend to be disabled to get the benefits.

 

People do recover their health. People have even been accepted for special circumstances payments, and they are still alive 10 years later. I think we are going to have to accept the governments need to keep checking - given that people are very poor at saying "no thanks, I no longer need that money".

 

And you haven't reported these people, because...?