Pip assesment

[Amhoarten]

Any views on Atos Healthcare? I thought I would apply and I got my assesment appointment through today. Wondering what to expect..

[Hidden]

You really can't predict how these medicals will go I have had one horrendous one as well as a much nicer assessor on my last one you need to inform them in a straight forward way how you are on you bad days I have those 70% of the time get as much paper work evidence as you can as far back as your history of your illness helps and lists of repeated medications are you having a home assessment?

[Conn_NRAS]

Hi Amhoarten,

If you have not already done so, I suggest taking a look at the NRAS information booklet on claiming PIP, especially page 14 about the assessment process. You can find the info booklet here: nras.org.uk/data/files/Publ...

The job of the Atos healthcare team (or in some areas of the country, the Capita team) is to provide as much information as possible to the decision makers at the department for work and pensions on how your condition affects you. The more you can do to help the assessors provide thorough and accurate information, the easier the decision will be for the DWP. Making a diary of how your condition affects you day to day can be a useful prompt for you.

I hope it goes well,

Conn O'Neill

Policy & Public Affairs Officer, NRAS

[Mall]

I had an Atos assessment at home in March. I live too far from a centre hence the home visit. All the advice recommends having some one with you at the appointment and I recommend this. My assessor was very pleasant and did explain that she had to ask set questions some of which are a bit odd or irrelevant sounding. I had with me a file with copies of my application form and letter from my consultant. I also had some hospital diacharge letters to my GP which I had to pay for to support my claim. As well as my RA the assessor wanted to know about any other health difficulties and I did make reference to these in my application. My appointment lasted over an hour. The assessor did ask me to make certain movements and examined my hands. Similar to my rheumy nurse or consultant would do. My assessor had a nursing background and seemed knowledgable about RA. The outcome was positive and I was awarded more than I expected.

I think the best advice I had was to answer the questions and describe my difficulties as if it was the worst days I have not how I am on my better days.

Best wishes

Mall

[Cathy777 in reply to Mall]

Thanks Mall. Sounds like you had a good assessor. I hope I am as lucky.