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Limited Capability for Work - Support Group Options
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LindaR
#1 Posted : Saturday, February 11, 2012 3:04:36 PM Quote
Rank: Newbie

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Joined: 10/2/2011
Posts: 9
Could really do with some help please......

At the end of September 2011 when I attended another Atos medical, I was placed in the support group for ESA (contributions based) after the comment by the Disability Analyst stated that I was unlikely to return to work and undertake work related activity in the longer term. I am 58 years old. My ESA was reduced slightly as I am now in receipt of a small pension having been medically retired due to ill health. After a conversation with someone at JCP I was also informed that because I "had passed the test", being in the support group now I would not be called for another interview until July 2014 to see if I had improved......???

Today, I have received a Limited Capability for Work Questionnaire frm ATOS saying that my benefits may be affected if I do not return the questionnaire. Why do these forms always come on a Saturday when you can do nothing about them? Needless to say, stress levels and anxiety gone up! Having already attended an assessment four months ago and placed in the support group, this just feels like harrassment to me (or am I over re-acting?)

Has anyone else been subjected to completing a Limited Capabilty for Work questionnaire so soon after being placed in a support group, or could this be a mistake?

Any help or advise would be greatly appreciated.

Linda
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RichC
#2 Posted : Saturday, February 11, 2012 4:30:14 PM Quote
Rank: Advanced Member


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Joined: 8/30/2010
Posts: 507
Location: Gravesend
Hiya Linda,

Hmm not a great deal you can do , except query it with the DWP on Monday .
Is it an ESA 50 form ? If so you now have only four weeks to return it rather than the six you used to get .

There seems to be no time limit as to when they can re-assess you , especially when someone goes to tribunal. I seem to remember it being 3 months minimum from the previous assessment , but will check this out on Monday .

I imagine you saw there was a news item , stating that the DWP/ATOS were behind by 35,000 people/ 4months on Work Capability Assessments.It is no surprise .

I am afraid the best option is to gather all the evidence yet again , and send it off with the ESA 50 within time limits .
If you have a copy of the previous medical report then i would include that , as well as Consultants / Occ Health , Physio/ GP reports etc .

I personally would also contact your MP Find your MP and highlight the above Atos delays , especially if he is a Tory or Lib Dem , as this is a complete waste of public money.

I think Jamie at the NRAS (Government Affairs Manager jamie@nras.org.uk ) would also be interested.

I also say to anyone .. even if you are successful at getting ESA in whatever group , that you ask for a copy of the ESA85 medical report!

Let us know what happens

Rich :(
"The difference between 'involvement' and 'commitment' is like an eggs-and-ham breakfast: the chicken was 'involved' - the pig was 'committed'."
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LindaR
#3 Posted : Monday, February 13, 2012 4:53:47 PM Quote
Rank: Newbie

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Joined: 10/2/2011
Posts: 9
Hi Rich,

Thank you so much for your detailed reply, and thank you again for your time.

I phoned them today and was told someone would phone me back, which they did three hours later. He said there was not much info on their computer and would have to speak to soneone and phone me back AGAIN.

This he did and told me to ignore questionnaire! Also said I would not be called again until September 2014. I have asked for this in writing...........

Lucky for me after several requests over three months to get a copy of the ESA85, I got that a few weeks ago!

I understand they are just doing their jobs but I am very tempted to contact my MP and Jamie at NRAS, as all this chaos and uncertainty is affecting my health!

Thanks again for your time Rich,
Linda x
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Naomi1
#4 Posted : Saturday, February 18, 2012 12:27:23 PM Quote
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Joined: 9/3/2011
Posts: 717
Location: Torbay
Linda, it sounds to me as if the department dealing with this are quite chaotic. So sorry that you have had to put up with additional and unnecessary stress on top of the RA. I hope this situation is resolved for now. Best wishes from Naomi.
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LindaR
#5 Posted : Tuesday, February 21, 2012 11:05:40 PM Quote
Rank: Newbie

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Joined: 10/2/2011
Posts: 9
Thanks Naomi,

I did receive the letter in writing although that may count for nothing if the goal posts get moved again!

Best wishes,
Linda
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