ATOS & DWP...ESA

dorcas

You are such a sweetie DD
....offering dandelions from your own wee stash...when normally you're pinching mine.

you do know how to make me laugh!

I think you've given me enough stars for any expletive I might chose to say........ but I'll tell you a secret, I rarely swear.... and even then it's probably printable! don't know why that is....!
might end up having to make an exception though so I'll tuck your stars away just in case.

hope your connection keeps working DD..... you must have been exhausted last night catching up on the zillions of posts.

Iris xxxxxx

julie47

Afternoon Iris

Nothingmore to say everyone is giving you plenty of ammo and I said my bit yesterday, just popping in to say i am still thinking of you.

love juliepf x

roses1

Awww Iris,

I just read this , it is so disgusting to be treated in this way i have no advice really but what about human rights? would this help the cause in any way? You Fight for your rights this is totally unacceptable to be treated in this way you are ill!! I am so annoyed too and for anyone else going through it dont let them win.
((((hugs)))) and strength.

Rose x

speedalong

Oh Iris, how ridiculous.

Whatever next.

Keep us posted with your fight/campaign.

And you though early-retirement might be boring!!

Speedy

tkachev

Just to say I am fuming for you too Dorcas.there has to be a better way of sorting out the sick, disabled from those who are able to work as the present system is so wrong,

Elizabeth

nikscat33

Hi all,

Firstly i'd like to say what wonderful people you lot are, so supportive and understanding, i've had all this stuff going round in my head and worrying what to do and what will happen and its been stressing me out and with having found so much help from you all it makes it that much better and i just want to say a very big thank you.

Also Iris thank you for your help with the letter it was brill just what i needed and dont you have a excellent way with words hehe

Nikki has an appointment with the docs tomoz morning to get a letter from him for the ESA reconsideration letter also i have made her a list of all the things she needs to mention to him as he doesn't seem to be very forthcoming with the help just said ' you got OA etc off you go' basically and i don't feel thats good enough. So have mentioned about any OA specialist or nurse she may need to see, occupational therapy dude to sort things out we need indoors ( eg hand rails etc) and nikki also needs to discuss pain meds with him as the combo she is on atm don't seem to be working very well. I am absolutely determined to get everything sorted for Nik so she doesn't have to worry about any of it the pain is enough to cope with without anything else.

I spoke to a couple of other friends of mine who have had run ins with ESA, one person had to appeal her ESA decision even tho she had just had a stroke and couldn't walk or talk.... another her mates hubby had a brain tumour and not long to live and was told he was able to go out to work and another while she was in the waiting area to be assessed a man was pushed in on a hospital bed with a oxygen mask with his daughter and the daughter said it was the second time they had to come up to be assessed..... it appears that everyone gets turned down regardless and everyone has to appeal.... it really isn't good enough...... its appalling that human beings in severe pain with genuine problems are treated in this way.

And can anyone tell me why hospitals have such crappy wheelchairs you borrow, i took my mum for an xray this morning ( suspected OA in hips) and got this dodgy trolley thing that had a mind of its own lol and we wobbled and whizzed all the way to the xray dept.... lol

Hope all you peeps have had a good day and are keeping well...

Cat x

woodbon

Hi. I am going through the motions and I am waiting for the appeal and after having the medical in January. I'm glad you could have a rant to us, you need to get it out of your system! I hope you appeal and things get better for you. Its all mad, who is going to employ so many disabled people, who can't always do the work becuase of pain, need lots of time of suddenly as they are ill or have appointments. Of course, a lot of us won't qualify for Jobseekers, so we will be cheaper and Jobseekers is a lower income, I think, so who wins? Love Sue

lizzie7ne

Hi Iris

I have just read your post. Do you mean they have stated Limited Capability for work? They did this with me a year ago, but that still means you are granted ESA, I was. Yes I had to see a personal advisor (6 times in a year) and I really dont know the reason for that, as I got absolutely nothing at all out of it, it certainly did not help me improve my condition to get a job - I actually collapsed once in their office. I was offered the chance of attending a condition management course (this is optional) When I first got my letter I too was very annoyed, and telephoned the DWP. From the info I got from the DWP I interpretted it as very few people get in the support group, most who are successfull in getting ESA are assessed as limited capability for work, whilst others are classed as fit for work and dont get ESA. When I first got my letter I interpretted it as fit for work but it isnt that, they are acknowledging you perhaps cant work right now but may be able to in the future. I would recommend you get a copy of the doctors report. Although I was granted ESA on a limited capability basis I still asked for the doctors report and was not too happy about some of the boxes that were ticked i.e. he indicated I could do more than I actually can do, and in cases like ythat josAtos need it reporting to them and the DWP need informing of the doctors errors


lizzie

bubbles

It all beggars belief, truly. I had a long and protracted battle with the DWP and DLA increase. As people on the forum said to me, keep on fighting and I did. I won my case, without it going to the tribunal.
Keep every letter, visit and re-visit your GP and or Consultant, both of mine have always been really good and have put things in writing on multiple occasions. If you write to the DWP, let your GP have a copy, it helps them know what is going on.

I don't think they do listen or read Drs reports, the patients letters, the needs of the person, the condition of the person and the long term prognosis of the person. They tick boxes and add points up.

That is, until you ask to take it to tribunal, then they seem to actually read what is put in front of them, instead of using a point scoring system that cannot possibly take into account an individual and their needs.

Yes, the system has to be controlled and many people flaunt the system and get every benefit and entitlement known to man. The country has been drained dry for the past 15 years with an open door and open purse policy. However, the cutbacks are going to hurt those who need it most, the disabled and long term sick. We are going to be dragged through hoops at every opportunity.

I am just waiting for them to say I need an assessment. It is only a few months since I received the letter, from what is now the ESA, saying that I meet all criteria, on all levels, as unfit for work, they no longer need Dr's letters etc.

Let's see what happens next year, when they start to re-assess all people who are of employable age, boy will I be ready for them. Quite what job they would like me to do, I could not anticipate? I cannot stand for more than a few minutes, sit for more than a few minutes, travel for any distance, am unable to drive, take a shed load of drugs just to get through each day and am a liability with regards falling, loss of concentration, side effects of medication, not to mention a chronic heart condition on top of the OA. "of course we will employ this person" I don't think so somehow.

I have written to my MP, airing my concerns with the reforms to the DWP system.

It is all very frustrating and upsetting.

I hope we all get through it together, we can fight tooth and nail.

XX Bubbles

coco67

i have just gone on to esa now and had my first interview at the job centre which was horendus, apparently i will get a medical questionaire the have to have a medical. im so dreading it all as i dont know what to expect apart from hell judging by the way everyone seems to have been treated, i wish you well and hope it all works out for you.

dorcas

Hi Lizzie, Bubbles and Coco,

thanks for your replies.

Lizzie.... the decision is the same as yours so I will get ESA but be in the Work Capabilty Group and have to see a personal advisor and evidence what I've been doing in managing my condition, so as to be working towards re-employment' which is just so much twaddle!

I don't benefit by even one penny from ESA but it does pay NI contributions which I need when I reach statutory retirement age. I have a small occupational pension (retired early due to arther, ops etc) and although ESA isn't taxable .....wait for this.......the Tax Man counts it as taxable income and have reduced my Tax Code so that I don't have any financial benefit from ESA. I phoned Inland Revenue and spoke to them about it.... they agreed it is a form of Indirect Taxation....great eh?

My annoyance with DWP is being assessed as having capability for work....if I had even limited capability......I wouldn't have given up a job I loved!

I received a copy of my 29 page ATOS medical assessment yesterday....I'm still digesting it.
The assessor says in summary
'taking into account the Assessment Questionnaire Form, the medical information, my observations and examination of Ms X during assessment, it is my opinion that Ms X has 'a severe disability' and is likely to be unable to work in the longer term'.

Confused as to why dwp have put me in the 'working group' ?....so am I. :?

Coco.... good luck with your assessment. I have posted a link at the bottom of the page to one of the DWP (Directgov's) own webpages which goes into a lot of detail about the Work Capability Assessment. It lists each and every 'factor' that the assessor will consider during the ATOS assessment and how this information is applied. I wish I had seen this before I went for my ATOS assess!.

look at it carefully, it will help you.
Iris x

http://www.direct.gov.uk/prod_consum_dg/groups/dg_digitalassets/@dg/@en/@disabled/documents/digitalasset/dg_177366.pdf

frogmorton

Iris

You have explained this really well. I take it your MP has been informed of this 'tax' you are paying too??

I am so so struggling with all this.

I think they are not allowed to say 'this person will never be fit for work'. That's what it boils down to.

At least your N.I payments will be paid. I hope that they are worth more than your cahnge of tax group results in. If you know what I mean...
Love

Toni xx

skezier

Hi Iris,

Its just incredible this! Not in a good way but how do they come up with the conclusions they come to ... with their lack of training and lack of medical knowledge how can they be the final word!

Its just incredible and even their sidekicks clearly don't understand how they work!

Sending ((((( ))))) and total bemusement..... xxx

livinglegend

Three days in a classroom and your an 'approved healthcare professional'. Can anyone apply?

Joseph 8)

dorcas

Hi Joseph

The whole system for assessing 'capability' is a farce. We protest as individuals regarding these ludicrous decisions but at huge cost to us in terms of stress...both physical and emotional. :roll: :x

Hi Toni and Cris

I have included the issue of this indirect taxation of ESA by Inland Revenue in my letter to my MP.
There are two types of ESA...one is 'Income based ESA' the other is 'Contribution based ESA'.
I receive 'contribution based ' ESA which as the name suggests is based on my NI contributions over my working life.... so to my reckoning I am now being taxed twice by her majesty's inspector of taxes. :roll:

I take your point Toni about whether the change in tax code with NI stamps is worth it......I have been questioning myself about this too. Jury's out at the moment until I see what further impact this is likely to have.

thanks for the support peeps. any advice is most welcome. :!:

Iris xxx

carola

Hey Iris

I'm still awaiting a copy of the full 'medical' report. Need to chase it again on Monday.

As always, sending positive thoughts re the outcome and will let you know likewise.
Carol

dorcas

Likewise Carol
I do hope you are successful with your appeal.

Wonder why you've had to wait so long for a copy of the medical report. :? it took only two days for me to get my copy... it's annoying for you that you're having to chase them up. :roll:

When's your meeting with the MP?

Iris xxxx

oneday

I know someone whos husband has R.A. and unable to work. She is the family breadwinner. She is also a public sector worker, not highly paid,below national average and will not be receving one of these high pensions mentioned in the media, average public sector pension is £4,000. She has twofold worries, her husbands illnessess,benefits and her job which due to cuts isnt secure!

salamander

Iris, I don't know what to say. It is madness in the extreme. I have every confidence you will get what you deserve but it why do you have to go through the stress and worry.
xx

dorcas

A wee update.

My MP and his secretary are coming out to see me at home tomorrow morn. I got a very nice email back from him last week saying he would give me the 'maximum support possible'.

Not sure what he can do but it's encouraging to have his / any help. Last year when I was fighting dwp over a different matter he said then that I should have involved him sooner and he would have taken the worry of dealing with dwp 'off my shoulders'. Nice man!

Oh... and I received my 'Pathways to Work' interview date from dwp yesterday. It's the 27th Sept. Should be interesting. :? wonder what they expect me to have done about 'managing my disability' so that I can return to the workplace :?: .... sorry, according to their letter I have to 'evidence what I've done in managing my disability'.... :x :x :x ...aye right!!!!

Hope Carola and Nikscat that you're making some headway with your appeal...... good luck with it all too. :!:

iris x

tkachev

Well done Dorcas. That seems encouraging. I hope they appreciate what you are going through and make sure he knows others are suffering too.

Elizabeth XXXXX

skezier

oh Iris they are taking the proverbial.....

i so hope you can get some help tomorrow and ,to me, its all so stupid and wrong...... hell i am fuming for you just now..... and i really am! see bit of 2 handed just for that!

hang in there flower and we shall all be behind you so your not alone. love and a cyber hug with a cuppa Cris xxx

julie47

Hi Iris

wont be around for a few days (going off in caravan) so won't be able to read your update on tomorrows visit from MP.

So I just wish you luck and I hope he/she is helpful

Take care
juliepf x

frogmorton

Hi Iris

Well done you - I hope he can help you and i will be waiting to see how you got on with him tomorrow. Yep bet you have been busy getting the disability under control and are raring to go

Julie - you have a wonderful holiday wont you You deserve it.

Love

Toni xx

dorcas

Thanks Elizabeth, Cris, Julie (have a lovely hol!) and Toni,

I will do my best to prepare for tomorrow... need to read over the 'medical' and pin point (dagger point ) the errors ... of which there are many. :roll: I really could do without all this. :roll:

anyway... I will of course mention what's happening with others here who've had the same outcome and how ludicrous it all is.
thanks for your support peeps.X

Toni.... I've swept arther out of my system like a good little 'pathway pet' and will tell the dwp adviser to ignore my hobbling gait, pain, difficulty sitting, standing up, kneeling, holding/ gripping things in my hand, reaching up, bending down, writing, opening doors etc..... :shock: silly me! I forgot! they've ignored all that already!!!

Iris x

I'm feeling much calmer now......Not