Home visits

[Going forward]

My sister is recovering from being hospitalised for 4 weeks in the cardiac unit. She cannot walk very far and has to use a zimmer frame to get to the bathroom.

 

I have applied for PIP on her behalf and have filled out the ATOS form. She cannot travel on public transport so do ATOS do home visits. What normally happens if you cannot get to them as you cannot afford cab fare?

[honeybee13]

Hello there.

 

When did you send the ESA50 please? If it was recently, it could be a while before Atos want to see here, but it depends where she lives.

 

Some of the guys here know quite a lot about home visits, I believe she would need her GP to support her with the request. I expect people will be along later.

 

HB

[Going forward]

Hi honey

 

she is in receipt of ESA as long as she sends in her sick notes.

 

she lives in london, and i have requested for it to be recorded.

 

is her PIP payments witheld until she sees ATOS?

[honeybee13]

Hello again.

 

I'm not sure you can have a recorded assessment at home, but the guys will know for sure.

 

HB

[matt v atos]

Nothing stopping her doing her own one its her home.

[kennythecelt]

Yes, she can ask for a home visit.

 

She should not be be asked to do anything which will/ might damage her health.

 

Hence, do not do allow your sister to do this visit at home on her own. Make sure someone is there as a witness and to answer the door etc, (don't allow her to get up and do that or make tea etc). She sits down entirely during the home visit as she should not walk about during the home visit. This evidences her limitations etc. She can be in her bed if she wants if that is necessary due to her medical condition.

 

If she is asked for copies of prescriptions or bottles of medicine she takes, the witness should go and get them. Do the same for anything like that.

 

You can also ask for the meeting to be recorded. ATOS contract allows for all assessments to be recorded although they might find it difficult to comply with in her home. But that is their tough luck.

 

Remember and get her to focus on what her worst days are like, not the individual one of day she might have when she feels slightly better. Answers should be framed in that way, linked back to the stated application form.

 

She can be prompted by the witness to assist answers when required. She does not need to answer on her own, as she might get upset etc.

[reallymadwoman]

On the recording issue, yes ATOS can record home visits, however this is for ESA claims only. There is no facility for recording PIP assessments.

 

You should also be aware that it is currently taking 6 months plus for a decision on most PIP claims.