ATOS appointment re PIP claim on Weds

brandy192
brandy192 Member Posts: 73
edited 7. Nov 2013, 06:54 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi
After a long wait from initially filling in the form to getting this appointment its here it took about 8 weeks . I am a bit worried about it as I am not confident going places I dont know and havent got anyone to take with me. Have heard mixed comments about ATOS assessments so dont know what to expect. I think I will probably have to have another one relating to my ESA claim but have not heard about that yet it seems a bit stupid to me to have two separate ones but hey ho I think the benefits system has gone mad.
Wish me luck :?

Comments

  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Of course I wish you luck, brandy192. I've no experience of these things but I hope all goes well for you.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • bubbadog
    bubbadog Member Posts: 5,544
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Brandy, What day is the actual appointment? As we would do pocket duties for you and be in your pocket so you know we are thinking of you! Do hope it is a positive appt, let us know how you get on.
  • brandy192
    brandy192 Member Posts: 73
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi buubbadog its tomorrow at 9.30am a bit too early for my body to be functioning well but maybe it could be to my advantage. Would appreciate someone in my pocket.
    Thanks Sue
  • mig
    mig Member Posts: 7,154
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Brandy hope things go well for you. Mig
  • bubbadog
    bubbadog Member Posts: 5,544
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hope the appt was OK, was thinking of you!
  • brandy192
    brandy192 Member Posts: 73
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi
    My AOS appointment went ok. It was a male nurse who interviewed me asked about my medication and how what I did from getting up to going to bed and how my illness affected how how I did it. The computers went down half way through so he had to write all my answers down and he also couldnt see my application form so had to go through all medications. It took about an hour. He said if I hadnt heard anything in 8 weeks I should contact DWP. Got a taxi there and back to the appointment and glad I did because it was smack bang in the middle of Bradford in the morning rush hour even the taxi driver got lost.
    Cant believe we are put through this ridiculous trauma it must cost a fortune why dont they just write to your doctor.

    Sue
  • barbara12
    barbara12 Member Posts: 21,281
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi brandy I do wish you good luck with this, like you say it is so stressful has well has costly for them...please let us know how you get on xx
    Love
    Barbara
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    At least it's all over with, Sue. I suspect GPs wouldn't be able to handle all the extra work and appointment times would be longer. You got a nurse which seems to be better than some :roll: Good luck with the outcome.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • bubbadog
    bubbadog Member Posts: 5,544
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    At least it's over now, it does drive me mad having to repeat everything when it's in front of somebody. An hour isn't to bad for an interview like that. Are you getting reimbursed for the taxi fare? They offered me it when I was arranging my interview but I insisted they came out to my house so they are a week on Saturday!! Hope you don't have to wait too long for your answer.
  • brandy192
    brandy192 Member Posts: 73
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Bubbadog
    I had to smile to myself while I was being interviewed because the room we were in was absolutely boiling and the bloke said to me would you like me to turn the heater down. I have to have a mental debate with myself at home when I feel cold as to whether I can afford to put the heating on so I am alway quite bundled up with clothes I told him I wasnt used to such luxury. I am feeling the pinch of having to live off £72 per week ESA and even the lower rate of PIP will make a big difference. Anyway yes I will be claiming for taxi money it was the first thing I was offered on arriving. I think the people who are assessing are ok it seems like its the DWP who are a bit rubbish. Not expecting to hear from them for a while as it sounds like there is a backlog.
    Hope everything goes well on Saturday.

    Sue :)

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