IB to ESA migration

[reallymadwoman]

I was beginning to think I'd have to ask for my DLA to be reviewed!

 

Still nothing from ATOS/DWP or MP though.

[reallymadwoman]

This morning, apparently delivered with the post (I live in an apartment building so my letterbox is not readily accessible) was an unstamped, handwritten (scribbled) envelope addressed to me. Allegedly an ATOS doctor called this morning to assess me.

Our post was delivered about 9.30 so this must have been quite early. Strange that none of the up to 4 people in the apartment at that time in the morning heard the very loud intercom. Also strange that they didn't bother to let me know someone would be visiting, or is this a ploy to blame me for all their problems?

I shall be writing to ATOS/DWP/MP this afternoon but fully expect my claim to now be ended due to not 'attending' the assessment. Will I appeal? Probably not. I'm done.

[Nystagmite]

I thought you had to be given at least 7 days notice for the assessment?

[reallymadwoman]

I thought you had to be given at least 7 days notice for the assessment?

 

You do normally. Even if you agree to an appointment at shorter notice they still have to have enough time to inform you in writing.

 

So far as I know, I haven't been informed of an appointment at all but it wouldn't be the first time that ATOS letters have not arrived on time or at all. They have repeatedly been asked to communicate via email because of this but have repeatedly refused to do so. Their appointments system apparently doesn't have email access.

[**Margaret**]

:Hiya reallymadwoman:

 

 

Just as well : Dilizjo: hasn't used all the :frusty:, yet!

 

 

Best guess translation?

 

 

For anywhere that's south of Birmingham, Shatos simply can't recruit enough doctors to do planned home visits. Probably found themselves with a spare doc this morning cos of two neurological no shows and decided to chance their luck. Said doc was almost certainly reluctant to do the visit and used the lack of direct assess to your front door as a get out clause. Bet s/he wasn't carrying a Neal audio recorder either!

 

This is a very appealable 'failure to attend' but it has to be your decision.

 

For others who find themselves in this situation or similar circumstances;

 

Decision Makers' Guide Volume 8 on the Work n Pensions website.

Chapter 42, sections 42265 - 42272.

 

Sincerely, Margaret.

[reallymadwoman]

Negative update.

 

Nothing from ATOS (2 months), DWP (6 weeks) or MP's office (10 days). I have clearly simply ceased to exist.

 

This may be a mistake. As many others have found in the past, ignoring me is never a good idea.

[reallymadwoman]

As always, if I complain about not getting a response one magically turns up, usually around 5 pm. This one is from ATOS and what a load of bovine excrement it contains (sorry if that offends anyone).

 

Apparently when I was not expecting my visit none of the 4 people in the house heard the intercom, the phone (even though they don't have my number) or the doorbell. And the letter was delivered 45 minutes before they say it was posted. Almost as miraculous as their cure rate.

 

As expected, they've referred me to DWP for a 'failure to attend'.

[Dilizjo]

That is disgusting RMW, they really are using underhand tactics now, I hope you are going to fight this.

 

This definitely does a merit :frusty: and an extra one:frusty:, haven't been using that for a while as head hurt....

[reallymadwoman]

I've promised to do nothing until after Xmas - that's enough stress at once without ATOS on top.

[reallymadwoman]

So much for promises - as if I could seriously ignore this even for a few days.

 

Having gone through the response to my complaint more carefully it says 'it was accepted upon file review that sufficient evidence was available to recommend a finding of 'limited capability for work' but a face to face assessment was needed to determine 'limited capability for work related activity'.

 

So they accept I'm unfit for work, the evidence they have to prove this also states categorically how I meet three different support group criteria (and exceptional circumstances just to top it off), but that isn't good enough. They still have to mess me about for 10 months and then effectively close my claim. I am speechless, which my husband says has never happened before. Ever.

[Simon7685]

So is this being classed as a positive or negative step RMW?

[Simon7685]

Incidentally regarding your alleged visit that took place when you were in and no one heard the intercom etc. I sympathise greatly with you. This seems to be everybodies excuse nowadays..........

 

On a seperate note, I had an attempted delivery on Tuesday while we were in waiting for it, anyway they tried to get an answer for 10 minutes before giving up and leaving a card. We never heard the bell or door, neither did the neighbours. So I organised it to be delivered on 21/12 because I had to go to my MIL's funeral 80 miles away. Anyway they are now claiming I signed for my item at my property yesterday........ while I was in a crematorium 80 miles away. I must have bloody long arms:madgrin: that's all I can say!

[flumps1976]

Simon7685 not Y O D E L by any chance?

 

I had a card from them telling me that I refused to sign for a parcel the next day, their customer service team didn't like me much following that card shall we say!

[reallymadwoman]

I haven't heard from DWP yet, but the bottom line is that although ATOS accept I am not fit for work they claim I failed to attend an assessment - note I've not been given a second chance which I understand is usual - so unless DWP accept that I had good cause not to attend I will be deemed 'fit for work' and my benefit will stop. The whole system is just totally barmy.

[reallymadwoman]

And now the hospital have cancelled my appointment at the pain management clinic for which I have waited 9 weeks. To add insult to injury, had a horrible night last night and had just managed to drop off to sleep when the phone rang and now I'm wide awake again.

[estellyn]

And now the hospital have cancelled my appointment at the pain management clinic for which I have waited 9 weeks. To add insult to injury, had a horrible night last night and had just managed to drop off to sleep when the phone rang and now I'm wide awake again.

 

Pain clinics are a nightmare - I can certainly empathise - I was due my next appointment in November 2012, and no appointment in sight. In the meantime, before christmas I parked my motability car 20 metres from the house (only space available), but my pain has increased to a level that I can't actually walk to my car at the moment......maybe I can get a taxi there .

[reallymadwoman]

Pain clinics are a nightmare - I can certainly empathise - I was due my next appointment in November 2012, and no appointment in sight. In the meantime, before christmas I parked my motability car 20 metres from the house (only space available), but my pain has increased to a level that I can't actually walk to my car at the moment......maybe I can get a taxi there .

 

This was my first appointment so don't really know what to expect. I had spent the last couple of days trying not to expect a miracle cure since my GP has pretty much given up.

Looking on the bright side, at least I didn't have to go out in this horrible weather.

[estellyn]

This was my first appointment so don't really know what to expect. I had spent the last couple of days trying not to expect a miracle cure since my GP has pretty much given up.

Looking on the bright side, at least I didn't have to go out in this horrible weather.

 

I found the pain clinic doctor was helpful and far more thorough than my GP. I had a spinal injection, which helped a little, and trying pain meds. The nightmare is that it is so drawn out - I think I waited 9 months for the first appointment, then another 8 months for the spinal injection, and now 5 months for a follow up. In the meantime the condition has deteriorated, and GP's are really unwilling to prescribe stronger pain meds, preferring to leave it to the pain clinic.

 

Hope you get your first appointment soon.

[reallymadwoman]

Thanks for the info.

 

I had two spinal injections a year ago (A Year Ago??? Can't believe it's been that long!) which unfortunately didn't work.

 

I have severe neuropathic pain in my leg following failed surgery plus unrelated neuropathy in both thighs and both hands due to the length of time it's taken to sort out my thyroid problems. The biggest problem I have is lack of sleep because if one bit is quiet for a while I can guarantee something else will disturb me. I now consider staying in bed for more than 4 hours (note, not necessarily asleep) to be a good night.

 

Again, looking on the bright side, I'm sure there's plenty of people worse off than me. At least I have food, shelter and warmth and minions to do my bidding - if I pay them enough!

[estellyn]

Thanks for the info.

 

I had two spinal injections a year ago (A Year Ago??? Can't believe it's been that long!) which unfortunately didn't work.

 

I have severe neuropathic pain in my leg following failed surgery plus unrelated neuropathy in both thighs and both hands due to the length of time it's taken to sort out my thyroid problems. The biggest problem I have is lack of sleep because if one bit is quiet for a while I can guarantee something else will disturb me. I now consider staying in bed for more than 4 hours (note, not necessarily asleep) to be a good night.

 

Again, looking on the bright side, I'm sure there's plenty of people worse off than me. At least I have food, shelter and warmth and minions to do my bidding - if I pay them enough!

 

Yes, I have a minion - luckily he does it for love not money! Hmmm, sounds kinky when written down!

[fightingback99]

I found the pain clinc staff really helpful. they can get you access to many NHS treatments and departments GP's can't, and faster. . I also take alpha lipoicc acid supplements for nerve pain as they help to protect the nerve endings and can help in damged nerve repair. (diabetic neuropathy peripheral, autonomic and painful- 600 mg per day. They don;t work for everyone but as a very powerful anti oxidant if nothing else they keep your skin looking younger than your years. lol.

[RaeUK]

... but as a very powerful anti oxidant if nothing else they keep your skin looking younger than your years. lol.

 

*makes note*

[reallymadwoman]

*makes note*

 

ditto

[reallymadwoman]

To hopefully get in first I wrote to the DWP before Xmas with my version of events, and copied in my MP.

 

Despite the initial help MP is now ignoring me and I've not heard a word from DWP though I did still get paid as usual the week after Xmas.

 

I know everything takes longer at this time of year and I know there's a huge backlog but I wish they'd get on with it and decide one way or the other.

 

In the meantime I got my rearranged Pain Clinic appointment and the staff are brilliant. I have new stuff to try and a follow up appointment in 3 months.

[reallymadwoman]

DWP have totally ignored the letter I sent explaining what happened over the 'missed' assessment and sent me a form to complete, which has to be returned within 7 days.

 

They sent it 2nd class and it's taken 5 days to get here.

 

I am not impressed.