PIP ATOS assessment

Hello, thank you for providing this website.

After 10 months of waiting for an assessment for PIP, I contacted my MP and within days was offered an appointment. I have just attended the appointment a few days ago and had a slight concern.

At the end of the assessment I was in a lot of discomfort as I suffer with muscle weakness amongst other things, the assessor, who seemed nice, came in with a blank form for me to sign. I said I wasn't sure about signing it as it was undated and not filled in anywhere. She responded saying it was just for me to give permission for her to send off the GP letter I had brought to the assessment. She seemed like a nice lady but as I was in a lot of discomfort I didn't have the strength to think properly and I signed it. Since then it has been playing on my mind as to sign a blank form was pretty stupid of me. Is it correct that they always bring those forms at the end if you bring in a letter?

Also, I received a letter today from ATOS saying they are quality checking my assessment with an audit, is that a good thing and will it prolong the process? I asked the assessor on the day if she felt I would receive assistance and she said she felt I should as it seemed clear I was unwell but that it wasn't down to her it was decided elsewhere.

I also wanted to thank you for this website as it helped me be aware on the assessment and also helped me with ESA support group Tribunal last year.

higgins wrote: Hello, thank you for providing this website.

After 10 months of waiting for an assessment for PIP, I contacted my MP and within days was offered an appointment. I have just attended the appointment a few days ago and had a slight concern.

At the end of the assessment I was in a lot of discomfort as I suffer with muscle weakness amongst other things, the assessor, who seemed nice, came in with a blank form for me to sign. I said I wasn't sure about signing it as it was undated and not filled in anywhere. She responded saying it was just for me to give permission for her to send off the GP letter I had brought to the assessment. She seemed like a nice lady but as I was in a lot of discomfort I didn't have the strength to think properly and I signed it. Since then it has been playing on my mind as to sign a blank form was pretty stupid of me. Is it correct that they always bring those forms at the end if you bring in a letter?

Also, I received a letter today from ATOS saying they are quality checking my assessment with an audit, is that a good thing and will it prolong the process? I asked the assessor on the day if she felt I would receive assistance and she said she felt I should as it seemed clear I was unwell but that it wasn't down to her it was decided elsewhere.

I also wanted to thank you for this website as it helped me be aware on the assessment and also helped me with ESA support group Tribunal last year.

Hi h,

I am glad to hear that your M.P. expedited an appointment for your PIP face to face.

I can't really offer any valid comments regarding the blank form that you were asked to sign. (maybe one of the other Mods or one of our members who has had a similar experience could)

However, it is not good practice for anyone to be asked to sign a blank form under any circumstances.

Yes, we are aware that ATOS are auditing/quality checking a percentage of the assessment documentation compiled by the HCP's.

Again, whether this will prolong the process of receiving a decision is an unknown quantity.

I believe that one of our other members were informed that the audit should not add more than 7-14 days to the process.

The assessor was correct, in that they do not make the final decision. They only make recommendations within the qualifying criteria that is laid down.

It is the DWP PIP Decision Maker who makes the final decision.

Thanks for your positive comments regarding B&W !!

bro58

Thank you for your quick response. I shall now have to wait and see what happens next. That would be great if anyone knows what the blank form is. It probably is what the assessor stated but my experiences with benefits or at least with some of the people employed by them has caused me to develop a cynical attitude at taking people for their word at face value.

Thanks again.

I have just received notification that I have been awarded enahnced PIP for living and mobility. I applied August last year so it has been a year.

I know I wouldn't have got this resullt without your guides so would like to thank you very much for providing this website. Now I can get a blue badge, create parking in my garden and hopefully leave my house more than 6 times a year! I will also be able to get someone to go shopping with me (only been shopping once this year) so the difference this will make is amazing.

Thank you so much.

Hi Higgins,

That's great news! Thank you for letting us know and for your kind words about B+W