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Annie, I’ve just received a big brown envelope telling me what I have to do.
Thing is, I haven’t started the really nasty stuff yet, and might not have started by the last date I have to do whatever it is I have to do so by the time I have this interview thing, I will only be on the way to being sick, rather than actually sick. (I confess I have stuffed said envelope to the back of my laptop bag for the weekend to be dealt with in the week).
I’ll be in touch shortly for assistance and will trawl through the manual now that I’ve got a deadline to do it by!
benefitsandwork.co.uk/employment-and-support-allowance
Found this, though probably not news to you ladies, posted link just in case it could maybe be of use?
Peachez this link looks good wish I’d had it in Nov when I was tussling with the ESA thing. At last ATOS have stopped writing to me threatening that if I did not respond to their letters I would have ESA stopped. Oh yes I’m back at work 1.1.11 and Job Centre plus know this and have had fitness to work certs.I got ESA from 8.12.11 which helped as my HR dept despite 7 months of e-mails, letters ,phone calls etc had not followed up my very extensive continuous employment record in NHS and I was put onto 1/2 pay prematurely. Had I not been proactive and the lady in Payroll so kind I was to go onto no pay in my 6th month so badly had they messed up my record Duh
Norberte ESA is not means tested and if you have paid NI in full my understanding is that you are entitled to £65.75 per week paid fortnightly in arrears.I would have a look at the link from Peachez too. Good luck hun more hoops to jump through GRRh. Jackie xx
excellent site dont need it at the moment but have a friend that is just about to claim so thank you.
Hi all,
As I am new to this sight I would like to include everyone. I was diagnosed last feb had op in March followed by radio. I have never been ill from work claimed any benefits, a friend of a friend with exactly the same circumstances as myself told me I was eligible to claim DLA but I was refused even after appealing. How do these people know how you can cope
or feel I suffer terrible pains in my feet making it difficult to walk
among other side effects. But I would like to point out I have a brother
who had and accident where he lost all his fingers on one hand just before
xmas he has also been told he cannot claim DLA.Iust think the system is so unfair how some can and some cant.
much sympathy with you all who have to go thru esa medical evev though i am fit and well and back at work my experience with this system still leaves a bad taste i was deemed fit for work and just gave up and did not appeal wish i had cos when i did feel better i realised the injustice of this system IT STINKS!!!
Girls
The fightback has started. After contacting my MP, he confirmed that he is MOST concerned about the methods used by ATOS. HE had put me in touch with one of the Glasgow media, who has been horrified by some of the tales told.
I, myself, “passed” the ridiculous process with 18 points, but was disallow to record the conversation. At least Louisa, my assessor (a physiotherapist) had the good grace to call it an interview and not a medical.
So now I am deemed “severely disabled” and simultanouly “fit to work within 6 months” and am forces to attend 5 Pathway to Work interviews.
I took my report, which you have to ask for, contrary to the recommendations in The Harrington Report, to my Welfare Rights Officer at Maggie’s Centre, and we laughed out loud. Althugh I was treated respectfully, there were 10 glaring mistakes in the report. Clearly, the physio who assessed me knew nothing about muscular myopathy (MY GP HAD NOT HEARD OF IT) And clearly knew little about peripheral neuropathy, or the nature of it.
I am appealing against the decision, which was a ‘result’ because of this hideous inabiltity to make rational, medical assessments.
I would urge EVERYONE on BCC website to contact their MP - this is a cross party issue - to express their concern. Whether they have sailed through their cancer treatment or are still suffering from it.
Wrong is wrong.
If you have a pet whose bowl you can fill with dry food, this scores against you. If you can wash “your torso” - that scores against you. If you ever shop in a supermarket “you can walk 800 metres” Even if you live next to your supermarket. Read The ATOS Handbook.
80% (ish - stats vary) “fail” the ATOS interview. 40% are overturned on appeal, 70% if you have representation from an advisor. ATOS should be fined for
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Waste of time - their Health Care “professionals” get paid whatever the outcome, and get paid again if one is re-summoned to a medical. This is a clear “cash cow” scenario.
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Massive waste of public funds. Please google atos+whistleblower+dailymail. This lovely Doctor was sacked by ATOS are is taking them to court.He seems to believe is is the voice of reason and that ATOS are too soft on tough “Doctors” - physiotherapists, nurses etc who conduct the ATOS questionaires. He claimed that “fellow doctors” were “too scared” to tell the truth. ANd Didn’t blame them because they were “pulling in”(from our pockets) £5,000 per week. This is a private company who’s aganda is to decide, without decent qualification, that someone is either
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Dying - less than 6 month’s life expectancy.
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Quadraplegig
Hi guys
I attended my 1st “Pathways to Work” interview earlier this week and the lovely lady to whom I spoke was appalled by the ATOS system and what they, Senior Civil Servants, are expected to process.
My local paper, the most widely read in Scotland - The Daily Record -headlined today on “Welfare Warfare” with quotes from my MP.
We can fight back against ATOS. They have no place in our health and welfare system.
Love and goodnight, classie lassies.
Annie xx
Annie
Thank you for taking so much time posting about this. I Have written to my MP and have got my daughter who lives in a different area to write to hers.
rhi x
Hi Annie
Having now received my ATOS questionnaire I have a better understanding of what’s what, so I’ll be writing to my MP to point out how inappropriate the questionnaire is. I also intend filling it in for the days after chemo when I feel unable to do any of the things that are described and then see what happens.
I’ve had bad experiences with ATOS too. I have an ongoing illness for which there is no cure and is also very rare, so rare in fact that most doctors have never heard of it. It cut short my career as a dance teacher 10 years ago and year on year the symptoms get worse. There is also some suspicion that it played a part in my developing breast cancer. I was awarded incapacity benefit a few years ago and each time I go for an assessment it’s an uphill battle to defend the fact that I am not capable of working. I’d love to work if I could and over the years have looked at several new career options in a bid to get myself off benefits but with no success, as my condition slowly deteriorates this gets harder and harder.
Two years ago I had an assessment from a ATOS ‘doctor’ who not only said that I was immediately fit for work but that my condition would resolve itself within 6 months. As a result my benefit was immediately withdrawn. My GP advised me to appeal immediately and both he and I were appalled by what was put in the assessment when I got my copy of the reports - it was like they were talking about a different person. In fact it was so different that I actually wondered if they’d sent me the wrong paperwork and when I went through it with a DWP person they were indignant on my behalf and gave me a lot of very good advice on how to appeal (which was probably against the rules!).
In the end I won my appeal but it was a battle and I’m dreading having to go through the whole thing again, but obviously I will at some point. My GP said that in his opinion the so called ‘doctors’ who work for ATOS are those who are not good enough to get employment in any other field and I’m inclined to agree with him!
I was advised that in all future interviews I take someone with me and that it’s a very good idea to take paperwork relating to your treatment and the impact it has on your life. It’s also a good idea to fill in any questionnaire based on your very worst days. Bottom line is that it is a very good money-spinner for those involved with the object being to get almost everyone off benefits whether they can genuinely work or not.
I am currently besieged by ESA who despite several letters and telephone calls and fitness to work cert have insisted on paying weekly amount into my bank. Took me ages to get it for all of 3 weeks. Every time I get in from work there are letters( up to 4 a week) from them and HMRC saying they are taxing me on ESA !!! EXASPERATION ++++ yes I am shouting. AND ATOS are demanding I go for a medical in order to keep claiming and threaten me with withdrawing ESA Now I find that HMRC have told me and my employers that I am not employed any more and all this cos I had BC and made a claim for 3 weeks. Just when I need to lie down having got in from work I then spend 2 hours waiting and talking on the phone give me strength and a darkened room. It really should not be this difficult.
The system really does need addressing, I for one am going to write to my MP.
Having been given 3 weeks as a phased return to work amended to 6 weeks (based on telephone call from ATOS) I really cannot call it either a consultation or a medical. It was a yes/no tick list based on a condensed version of the DLA application form.I know this is specific to me but I now find that ATOS are doing the Occ Health for a lot of companies inc. as in my case some NHS trusts.Worrying or what? Good luck to all still tussling with claims etc. Jackie xx
Hi girls
This site is very helpful in completing your DLA and ESA forms and what to expect at the exam,and how to lodge an appeal. They havae lots of free tips, or you can join, lots of charities have. I think it’s about £20, so you might decide it’a worth it. Their free advice is invaluble, and their top 5 tips are free, you just submit your e-mail.
My suggestions, Take a taxi to the centre and ask for assistance from the taxi driver to access building. Make sure that you are reimbursed and that they order you a taxi home.
Insist on getting a chair with arms for the duration of the interview. You are observed during the whole time and part of the assessment is that you can sit in a dining chair “comfortably” I made a point of shifting constantly and even took painkillers during it (I am on a lot of painkillers, Tramadol and Co-dridamol which i take altenatively every 2 waking hours) I was still classed as able to sit comfortably for an hour. This is going to be a major part of my appeal that I am not fit to resume work in 6 months. Be aware that if are expected to live beyong 6 months or are quadraplegic, you will automatically be classed as Limited Capacity for Work, be oliged to attend 5 pathways to Works interview (although you, like me, might well find the Civil Servant who has to conduct the interview) She urged me to appeal, and again I was reimbursed for taxi fares. THE EXAM IS BASED ON SEATED ON AN ARMLESS CHAIR, so demand a chair with arms. Careful when removing outer garments, as this will commented upon.
Dress in loose fitting clothes (I have to as I am quite disabled) and wear slip on shoes, if poss dont wear tights or socks. Do not hang your coat up, as these are all indicators that you are fit for work.
Dont bother taking out any medical documentation, they won’t be looked at. The physiotherapist did not even look at the limited amount of exercising that I was given, by my NHS PHYSIOTHERAPIST, which confirmed the extent of my disabilty. And that was within her area of expertise. I’m afraid you will have to act out worse casa scenario. It’s appalling that you have to act out your worst day.
Be aware that you are being filmed from entering the building. The Glasgow centre thoughtfully have an enormous supply of free Metros and if the “claimants” take advantage, this too is recorded. Be on your guard from outside the building. If poss have someone with you. i was denied being able to record the process. The day after the interview, call your local JobCentre to request your report. Go through it with a fine toothcmb with the person accompanying you. If appealing, try to get professnional representation - CAB Scotland has branded ATOS “Not Fit for Purpose” They will have done this before.
If you are turned down ie get less that 15 points, you will be entitled to ESA at “assement” phase - the lowest rate. I haave not been down this route but CAB will be able to advise.
The website which you might find helpful -
“Benefits and Work” <campaign></campaign>
Please read teh ATOS Handbook assidiously.
The website, for those who missed it -
disabilityalliance.org/esahandbook/pdf (think) I posted it earlier so if i have made a mistake, please forgive me.
This will make crysal clear the reasons behind the chatty question (poinless questions) upon which assumptions are made.
Contact your MP - thhis is actually a cross party issue. Questions are being raised in parliament all the time. I have all the recent tables coutesy of my local MP Tom Greatrex. You MP will take this seriously.
Good luck everyone facing this Kafka nghtmare.
Be prepared, be aware that this is nothing but a cynical exercise. Be aware your polital masters should be made aware.
Read the Harrington recommendation.
Best of luck, and you are not alone
If anyone would like a template to email your MP, please feel free to PM me - I will do everything I can to help.
Be strong and play these rejects at their own game
ANnie xxx
i have to go to see atos on saturday 19th feb.
i have been medicaly retired from my work.
i have chronic fatigue, bone pain, muscle pain and generally ache all over. when walking i get no warning and my legs give way and i fall over. i have fell in the street and in my house. i fell in my kitchen and the first thing i grabbed was my cooker…lucky it wasn’t on! i have good days and bad. good days i think are great because the bad days i struggle to get out of bed. my hubby makes dinners every day because by dinner time i have no energy and haven’t really done anything during the day. i have been like this since my chemo (08).
me before dx ---- i loved my job. went to work came home and did housework, made dinners, kids homework etc etc. went to gym on Fridays and ran on a treadmill.
now i am in pain everyday, i cant take painkillers because i have a bad reaction to them. my bcn says that i seem to be super sensitive to medication.
i would love to have my old life back but realise that, that might never happen. i have looked at jobs but know that i would now be unreliable due to the problems that i have. i still have chemo brain where somedays its like the light are on but i’m not there. i have stopped driving the car as i feel unsafe…i can forget what to do.
i have lay in my bed crying with the pain going through my body.
it makes me angry that the government will give to other country’s and turn their backs on the elderly, cancer patients, and people with disablilites etc.
don’t know what to do, i’m so stressed out about this atos thing.
the letter says i may have to remove clothing.
i just wanted to add that when i go out i have to have my hubby or one of my teenage kids with me as i need to take their arm.
Vodka, sending you a pm … Cloudhowe (Annie)
Hi guys
Thread has gone a bit quiet of late so I tought I would just give a quick update.
My appeal has been lodged, based on errors in the report. I was advised to appeal by my Pathways to work Personal Advisor. She has given this advise to other people who are clearly not well enough to work. My next interview has been deferrd for 2 months, and will be conducted by phone. She is dispairing of some of the interviews that she is obliged to conduct. But, unless you are in the Support group - life expextancy of less than 6 months or quadrraplegic, then this is the only conclusion that LiMA can generate. Prof. Harrington is scathing, openly so, about LiMA, the drop down software, the box ticking.
I refused to lie, even though I knew the decriptors. If you EVER shop in a supermarket, Lima states that you can walk 800m without discomfort (the lengh of 2 football pitches) so I scored 6 points - the lowest score. But I pointed out that my supermarket IS my local shop and that leaning on a trolly is a walking aid, carrying a basket round a local shop is much more difficult, especially if you are at high risk of lymphodema. The logic of this was ignored although it is trully reflective of my experience. I also refused to lie about having cats. I did however point out that others filled thir bowls with dried cat food, and that I couldn’t care for them as Ii did before my cancer (grooming, worming, applying Stronghold etc) and that I was going to have to take then to the PDSA to have them shaved under sedation. This was completely ignores and it was stated that I can care for pet(s). I have self sufficent cats, not a stable of horses and a team of Huskies.
SO the appeal is lodged and I will keep you up to date with it’s progress. How have you all got on in the process??
With the help of some friends, I plan to draft a template and sent it to all of our political reps, Trade Union leaders etc. Please engage in this process. The only ones who know about this are those who have gone through it and their circle.
We all know about Bankers and their bonuses, but less widely reported is that Civil Service manderins awarded themselved millions of pounds in bonuses. The DWP is reported to have awarded themselves £93m last year. I make no comment, but perhaps you can draw your own conclusions. They awarded a French based “outsourcing” company the power over the lives of the ill and disabled, and we know the results, do we not, then pat themselves on the back for the misery that have caused and line their own pockets. You couldn’t make it up.
Anyway, I urge you all to publises what we have gone through and are going through by TELLING people. By contacting the press, your MP, the Cabinet … We are misreprented so badly that the disabled are being treated as pariahs. Some people have been assaulted.
Anyhow, rant over. I am just filled with deep sadness that it has come to this. After all the wonderful care and treatment offered by hte NHS, when our treatment is finished we are thrown to the dogs, along with MS sufferers, ME sufferers, people with severe depression and suicidal tendencies (there have been suicides caused by ATOS’s rulings) even those with terminal cancer. BBC Scotland have produced programs about this. You can locate them on Google.
Take heart and be strong. We have beat cancer, at least in the short term, so we are stronger than most. I worry ALL THE TIME for those who are being dx with cancer every day and who do not know that this nightmare will face them after their treatment, if they respond to treatment. For them, and for us, we must do all in our power to stop injustice. Keep this thread going - it is the only one of it’s kind.
Good afternoon ladies. Will let you know when the email is done, and would very much welcome any input.
Sorry for all the typos, fingers are both numb and sore (I know that sounds contradictory) I used to such a speedy typist and a bit of a grammer stickler, but now it’s just enough to hopefully make sence.
Annie xxxx
Hi Annie I feel Th same it’s now 6 months since I finished all my treatment maybe I shud b bac at work but mentally n physically don’t feel up t it get breathless at Th top of Th stairs still hav achin in my arm from auxiliary clearance not confident with my hair so still wearing wigs n terrified it’s goin t cum bac as lost my mum t cancer a cousin younger thn me n 2 other members of family so know what a b… It can be. ESA said they wer stopping begginin of jan hav appealed but got a letter yestoday saying Th same n do I want t go t tribunal. Is ther any point. Or shud I go onto jobseekers I’m a single parent struggling n ex not payin maintenance either I just feel I cud do with a few more months t try n get stronger n feel let down as never had a day off b4 all this n feel cancer patients shud get a years help t recover if they need it without bein hassled wev had a life threatening illness with genuine ilness I’m not sure what t do now tried citizens advice n can’t ever get thru xx rozita
CAB are staffed in the main by volunteers, and are inundated with calls from people in dispair. My aunt has been a CAB volunteer all of her adult life, while bringing up 7 children and running a business. After debt issues the biggest caseload they have is ATOS - at least here in Scotland, who have published a damning report on ATOS - “Not Fit for Purpose”
Your local council might have a Benefits Advice Officer, or a Welfare Advice Advisor. In fact they are bound to have. They will be able to direct you to a professional who will take you through the strange process that ATOS and the DWP have decided to subject us to.
There might be a Law Society in your area who are looking into the medicals we are obliged to attend.
Until 5 weeks ago, I was totally unaware of all of this, although this has been in progress since 2008.
I hope that you get the advice you need, and that a fair and just decision on your case is reached.
Please do keep me posted on your situation.
And best of luck. Sleep well.
Annie x
Hi Annie,
Am not too good with computers & links etc but just wanted to say that Macmillan have something going on their website at the mo that if you fill in your postcode it will bring up a draft ready to send to your Mp (even tells you who your Mp is should you not know).
This is in preparation for next weeks Welfare reform bill in Parliament.
I will copy & paste contents of e mail that is sent & hope everyone will go on Macmillan website & get the e mail sent, it takes 2 mins.
I am writing to you about proposals in the Government’s Welfare Reform Bill which I believe will penalise people with cancer at a time when they most require support.
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> The financial impact of a cancer diagnosis can be devastating and sudden. As well as facing extra costs as a result of their cancer treatment some people have to leave work. 91% of cancer patients’ households suffer loss of income and/or increased costs as a direct result of their cancer. For those under 55, seven out of 10 suffer an average loss in household income of 50%. This can leave them dependent on the welfare system for the support they need to cope with their condition, and to live independently.
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> Please will you stand up for people with cancer in Parliament and highlight the following three issues:
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> 1.Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) cancer treatment exemptions - People should not be treated differently in the welfare system depending on the type of cancer treatment they receive. At the moment only people receiving non-oral chemotherapies are put in the Employment and Support Allowance Support Group without having to undergo an assessment. People who receive oral chemotherapies or radiotherapy can experience the same debilitating effects of treatment and should get the same support. Oral chemotherapies are increasingly being used, particularly for more aggressive cancers. In 2007 just 10% of cancer chemotherapy was prescribed in oral form, this is expected to rise to 25% by 2013.
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> 2.Time-limiting of contributory ESA - It can take people with cancer longer than 12 months to return to work because of the debilitating physical and psychological effects of their cancer and treatment. Three quarters of people with cancer in this group still require support 12 months later, and almost two thirds (61%) 18 months later. Under the Government proposals some people with cancer in the Work-Related Activity Group of ESA will stop receiving financial support after 12 months, irrespective of whether they are ready to return to work.
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> 3.Disability Living Allowance (DLA) reform - People with cancer need support with the costs associated with their health condition from the point of need. The Government propose to double the time that someone must demonstrate they need the Personal Independence Payment (replacing the DLA) from three to six months. This will penalise people with cancer who are often treated very quickly following diagnosis, and who face the side effects and the costs associated immediately.
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> On behalf of constituents like me who care about people with cancer please will you:
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> •Speak out for people with cancer at the Second Reading of the Welfare Reform Bill expected in the week of February 28th 2011.
> •Write to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Iain Duncan Smith MP, and ask him to address these concerns as the Bill passes through Parliament.
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> For more information and to receive Macmillan’s parliamentary briefing on the Second Reading of the Welfare Reform Bill please contact Beth Capper at <script type=“text/javascript”>eval(unescape(‘%64%6f%63%75%6d%65%6e%74%2e%77%72%69%74%65%28%27%3c%61%20%68%72%65%66%3d%22%6d%61%69%6c%74%6f%3a%42%43%61%70%70%65%72%40%6d%61%63%6d%69%6c%6c%61%6e%2e%6f%72%67%2e%75%6b%22%3e%42%43%61%70%70%65%72%40%6d%61%63%6d%69%6c%6c%61%6e%2e%6f%72%67%2e%75%6b%3c%2f%61%3e%27%29%3b’))</script> or on 020 7091 2068.
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> Thank you in advance for your help. I look forward to hearing from you with regard to my concerns.
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> Yours sincerely,
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>