IB to ESA migration

[**Margaret**]

Hi reallymadwoman:

 

For me personally, no news is good news. I'm in no hurry to darken their doors.

Nevertheless I fully understand that we all have different ways of trying to cope with this persecution.

 

On a practical note:

Several years ago, we had a ten months gap between an IB50 and seeing the Atossers. Jobcentreplus refused to issue a new questionnaire but accepted an up to date statement about changes in the claimant's condition. Sounds like you've got some very recent medical evidence to sling at them as well.

 

Wishing you luck with your complaint, Margaret.

Edited August 30, 2012 by **Margaret**

[reallymadwoman]

What bugs me most is that it's a complete waste of time. If they're doing their job properly the doctor (it has to be a doctor for a home visit apparently) will put me in the support group in about 5 minutes flat, but they could just as easily do that from the medical evidence I submitted originally. It is obvious that no one has even looked at the ESA50 or the original medical evidence, not even the bit about any special arrangements needed for the assessment, so why bother asking?

[down'n'out]

I also think it's wrong that they are prioritising reassessment claims when there are plenty of people out there on the assessment rate way beyond the 13 weeks. They should put reassessments on hold whilst they get that backlog sorted.

 

It will probably be seen as a possible way to lower amounts payed out (even if only in short term)

 

Someone on ESA, get them on reassessment, possibility to get them of ESA onto JSA .

Someone on assessment is already on (equivalent) JSA payment rate.

[worried33]

Although I have had my assessment I have yet to hear anything since then.

 

ATOS in my area are very fast but the DWP are overwhelmed still.

[**Margaret**]

'special arrangements needed for the assessment, so why bother asking?'

 

A very good question to which I've yet to find an answer. Invariably, the appointment clerk's explanation is, 'I don't get to see the IB/ESA50'.

 

Margaret.

[reallymadwoman]

'special arrangements needed for the assessment, so why bother asking?'

 

A very good question to which I've yet to find an answer. Invariably, the appointment clerk's explanation is, 'I don't get to see the IB/ESA50'.

 

Margaret.

 

So I'll repeat, if the person booking the appointment isn't told of any special arrangements necessary, why bother asking?

It is a rhetorical question, but one I have asked ATOS though I'm not holding my breath for a reply.

[reallymadwoman]

multiple copies of the same post!

Edited September 5, 2012 by reallymadwoman

[reallymadwoman]

My complaint has been acknowledged, which is a start.

 

So far as I've been able to tell, it's the first time ATOS have read anything I've sent to them.

[reallymadwoman]

as above

[reallymadwoman]

as above

 

don't know why the forum does this sometimes

[reallymadwoman]

My complaint has been acknowledged, which is a start.

 

So far as I've been able to tell, it's the first time ATOS have read anything I've sent to them.

[**Margaret**]

reallymadwoman:

 

Out of interest did you contact Atos electronically or via snail mail? Unless it was 2nd class snail mail they've missed another target! 'We will acknowledge your complaint within 2 working days', so says their customer service booklet. Yes, they claim to care about customer service.

 

Came across another 'we don't get to see ...... yesterday'. Nothing important, just a list of special arrangements for an assessment, sent directly from a decision maker.

 

Margaret.

[reallymadwoman]

Sorry I missed this before.

I sent my complaint via email and snail mail, and I thought ATOS had just acknowledged via email but as you point out, outside their 2 day target. However, I have this morning received a snail mail acknowledgement in a 1st class envelope, but dated nearly 3 weeks ago, and very interestingly, the day before I complained.

As well as being purveyors of miracle cures it seems ATOS are now claiming to be psychic.

[**Margaret**]

:reallymadwoman:

 

Well ...... :debt4get: did notice a crystal ball on the Atosser's desk.

 

And they're making it up as they go along, again!!

 

Having jumped off the callcentre roundabout, I was wondering about the pros/cons of electronic mail.

 

Ten (ish?) working days left for them to explain their non-existest system? They're gonna need that crystal ball.

 

Thanks for the info. Margaret.

Edited September 17, 2012 by **Margaret**

[reallymadwoman]

OK, ATOS are now clearly winding me up.

 

Every time I've contacted them I've given them an updated list of dates when I am not available for assessments due to other appointments etc. Every time they send an appointment its for one of the dates I'm not available.

 

And this time they've sent the appointment with only 3 days notice since their letter has taken nearly 2 weeks to get to me. It is once again a home assessment and it says it will be recorded. I'm almost tempted to say nothing and see if they cancel at the last minute again but that's probably just inviting problems. I know they're obliged to give 7 days notice but how do I prove the short notice?

 

This is clearly a well-planned campaign to either drive me completely insane or into an early grave.

 

I've decided to cancel via email. If it doesn't get forwarded to the right person it's not my fault is it?

[reallymadwoman]

Well that worked. I have a response already, and not just an automated acknowledgement. Of course I still have to wait for confirmation that the appointment has been changed (again) but at least someone appears to be awake in ATOS land.

[**Margaret**]

:Hi reallymadwoman:

 

Well done you for getting a response from the Atossers. Spect it'll be a stressful wait for yet another appointment. Here's hoping that this time they finally manage to get a doctor, with an audio recorder, to your home on a date and at a time that you've agreed to.

 

Still considering the electronic mail malarky for when they catch up with me again.

 

Best wishes, Margaret.

[Nystagmite]

OK, ATOS are now clearly winding me up.

 

Every time I've contacted them I've given them an updated list of dates when I am not available for assessments due to other appointments etc. Every time they send an appointment its for one of the dates I'm not available.

 

Send them dates when you're available and see what happens...

[reallymadwoman]

Send them dates when you're available and see what happens...

 

[reallymadwoman]

Still no

 

1. confirmation of cancellation of the appointment, but no clue as to whether the doctor turned up or not either

2. response to my complaint, now well outside their 20 day target

 

I was going to add that when this is all over I'll post up edited versions of what I've actually said to ATOS, but of course it won't ever be all over since no doubt as soon as this one is sorted I'll be sent another form for another 'assessment' with all the same problems all over again. It's really tempting to just throw in the towel and close my claim.

[**Margaret**]

:Hiya reallymadwoman:

 

Just to let you know that I've noted your non events. Nowt useful to say so;

 

:frusty: . Frusties shall speak louder than words.

 

Hope you hear something soon.

Best wishes, Margaret.

Edited October 10, 2012 by **Margaret**

[reallymadwoman]

I have been promised a full reply by the end of this week.

[reallymadwoman]

A response to my complaint has been received, hence the sleepless night.

 

I am absolutely furious. It is full of lies, completely inaccurate and written in an extremely patronising pat on the head don't worry dear tone. I have responded with what amounts to an invitation to dig their hole a bit deeper.

[**Margaret**]

:Hiya reallymadwoman:

 

Sounds par for the course. Would you like another or should we just .

 

First time we complained to the Astressors was 2008 when an astressor with an attitude problem made the right recommendation to the decision maker for all the wrong reasons! Reply was a patronising; there there dear, don't worry about it. Mistakes and mis-interpretation of mental health descriptors? They couldn't have cared less.

 

This time last year we had to make them care cos of an outstanding appeal. Ten months, dozens of letters, and a formal statement from the pinocchio later, we received their final response. The upheld part of the complaint can be summarised as;

 

The pinocchio made mistakes with basic anatomy and mis-interpreted mental health descriptors because she may have misunderstood what the claimant said.

 

Unbelievably, from the final para of their response;

 

'I ...... hope that any future dealings that you may have with our service will not give cause for concern.'

 

Back to one of the themes of this thread:

 

Audio recorded messicals may, or may not, improve the integrity of the Astressors and their pinocchios. Tis my sincere belief that recorded evidence will help claimants and appellants to dispute the findings of a pinocchio's report. And if we're really lucky, avert a few angst ridden tribunals.

 

As you've found out, complaints to the Astressors, like requests for audio recorded messicals, are dammed hard work, frustrating and incredibly stressful. As I've said many times, each of us has to do what's right for us at the time. For the mo I'm out of energy for complaints. Should the Astressors fall into your hole, I'll gladly help you to fill it in.

 

Sincerely, Margaret.

Edited October 12, 2012 by **Margaret**

[reallymadwoman]

Having had a long conversation with hubby and daughter today we've decided that we'll continue (and it is we cos they get to listen to me moan) with the ESA claim until the ATOS complaint has run it's probably useless course and then re-evaluate whether the money we can manage without is really worth all this hassle.

 

Of course once this one is 'over' it'll be on to the transfer to PIP.