Help I was on DLA had interview with atos and placed on ESA with not having to sign on or support to go to work

[Fedupman]

I've now recieved another booklet to fill in for limited cspabillity to work its only been a few months since I was last at a face to face with atos is this normal

[linlit]

what group were you placed in wrag or support group

lin

[Fedupman in reply to linlit]

Support group in march now recieved this form to see if I qualify for ESA I'm confused I already get Esa

[linlit in reply to Fedupman]

phone dwp to find out what is going on

lin

[ausalison in reply to Fedupman]

Same here. I am in the Support Group and have now received ESA form to complete by end of January 2014. I am confused but will contact DWP. You are not alone

[Royalspec01 in reply to Fedupman]

the first thing id do is ring them and explain to them that you have just been assessed and have been put into support group and in receipt of their payment,...as this could be some breakdown in their internal communications. try not to worry to much as it could be that simple, as far as im aware the support group allows you two years before your next medical. If you have a negative response then seek advice from CAB HOPE THIS HELPS

[MrsP-C]

Hi FedUpMan! (love it!). I'm afraid to say this is the system! I have received Incapacity Benefit (or whatever they want to call it now) for the past 6 years. The system dictates that they send out a new form every 8-10 months for you to complete and return to enable your benefit to remain unchanged. This, I know, is really stressful and painful (especially if your Fibro is in your hands) but "its the system". My advice is to be totally honest when completing your form. Do not be an optimist (like me). Don't put "sometimes" on the form. If it happens to you even once then put it down. Take a copy of your form before you post it off so that you have the details to refresh your memory when your next form comes. My last form had to be submitted last September (only 8 months since my previous form) and, as yet, I have not had a decision! When I called DWP they told me that Atos had an "uncontrollable backlog and would be getting to me when they can!". I joked with the lady that I'll probably receive my next form before my previous one has even been looked at! Although, looked at is an understatement. I believe they must glance at the check boxes and see if it fits their criteria. I can tell you that they do not read through the paragraphs you write them in further details or explanations as I have been testing this myself over the past few years. My last form stated I was considering suicide (I would never - that's the optimist in me again). They don't care, they're not medically trained, they are a "call centre" for the Government. I find it extremely frustrating that we are entitled to our benefit but still get stressed out filling in the form because you feel like a fraud. Please remember the actual fraudsters don't give it a second thought, they know exactly what to put on their forms to cheat the system. Just clearly state your condition, give your symptoms, your medications and the impact it has upon your life. No-one who experiences Fibro would wish it upon anyone else as it's such a debilitating illness which has very little research done for it and so can feel hopeless. You're not alone. Most importantly of all, it's not all in your head!! If you told someone you had MS you'd get understanding and support. The symptoms can be extremely similar but because its a new(isn) condition everyone thinks you're just swinging the lead. You are not. If you've paid into the system during your life then you are entitled to look for support when you are unable to function properly. Good luck. Keep me posted?

[bobchewie]

Isn't the DWP doing the assessing noe by using google.

[Libbyloo2005]

Hi,

I was put in support group in May & received another form to fill in before Christmas. I called the DWP to ask why and was told its the new system with everybody's claim being reviewed every 3 months - 3 years! I could understand it if I was in WRAG group but not support group. I haven't miraculously improved since May! Ridiculous!

[mufos]

Hi, it seems nothing is normal, i think they just pull a few names out the hat every day, and pester them, they gave me a real hard time last year , and like a lot of people i had to appeal, it was so stressful, they keep asking more and more from me, i simply didnt know what to put and how to put it, surly just being on Morphne should tell them somthing. Any way at the moment i am waiting for an apointment, they said they would pay for a taxi, back in october last year, when all i wanted was a home visit, as traveling is is painful for me, But i am still waiting to here from them, and to be honset the longer they take the better, i get so upset by it, as do many of you , i know. So just fill it in again and send it back, you never know you might not get pulled out the hat again for a while , good luck any way, and dont let them wear you down. Regards Mufos

[esagestapo]

Atos does not work to any set pattern, they can send out review forms any time they like. Follow the advice given here and keep a copy for reference because you will be filling out these forms for as long as you are claiming ESA.

[Mdaisy]

Hello Fedupman,

If you would like some information that may help you complete your ESA50 application, please email me [e-mail]. I would be happy to help

healthunlocked.com/fibroact...

I look forward to your email

Best Wishes

Emma

FibroAction Administrator

[lumely]

Have you being officially diagnose with FMS, if yes try to see your Dr and ask weather he/she can explain how you are affected every day to day, if not ask your Dr for an official diagnosis But guess what Atos are very crafty, try not to do every thing they ask you to do , because they will turn round saying that you can manage. As far as any move or day to day activity you do curse you pain to me thats' not a normal life.Try to ask for help with filling the forms. good Luck.

[Kirby]

Hi Fedupman

You can be reassessed from anything between 3 months to 3 years. This is how the DWP operate now. The best thing to do once you fill out a form once is to photocopy it for the next time so it won't be such a chore.

Best wishes