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Advice for appointee re TEL WCA for son with epilepsy

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4 weeks 23 hours ago #300357 by Sum
Hi Forum ,

I just called the HAAS helpline to follow up on the progress on WCA assmt appt. The UC50 was sent in a month ago . This was the second time i had submitted the UC50 to DWP , ( they lost the first one apparently) so was getting deja vu !

The Agent was polite professional and helpful. Gave me confirmation of the UC50 form. I agreed to a tel appt in 2week time.

Any guidance from others who have acted as appointee for someone. particularly re epilepsy & sciatica, MH conditions ?

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4 weeks 23 hours ago #300359 by David
Hi Sum

The DWP has outsourced HAAS functions to private companies ( Maximus, Serco, Capita and Ingeus ) and whilst the DWP itself always communicates only with the Appointee and not the claimant, the HAAS companies will try and communicate with the claimant. Here is the guidance from Maximus on appointees-


A full assessment (Face-to-Face AC or HC Assessment, Video Assessment or
Telephone Assessment) cannot go ahead if the appointee does not accompany the
claimant. If an appointee does not turn up, then normal Failed to Attend (FTA) action
should be taken – the DWP will investigate the conduct of the appointee. The
consultation can only take place if the claimant is accompanied by their appointee.
The appointee should be considered in line with guidance about companions being present at assessments, except that when the claimant has an appointee, the presence of an appointee is mandatory for the assessment to be conducted. (See 3.1.3.3 below for
information on companions.) The interview should predominantly be between the HCP and the claimant where possible. However, the appointee may play an active role in helping claimants answer questions where the claimant or HCP wishes them to do so. This may be particularly important where the claimant has a mental, cognitive, or intellectual impairment.
In such cases the claimant may not be able to give an accurate account of their health
condition or impairment, through a lack of insight or unrealistic expectations of their own
ability. In such cases it will be essential to get an accurate account from the appointee.
Where appointees report that a claimant is unable to attend and participate in an
assessment, the Supplier should ascertain:
• whether this is temporary, and whether the assessment could be rearranged; or
• whether an alternative assessment channel would enable claimant attendance and
participation.
Where a claimant’s reasons for being unable to attend and participate are not temporary,
an assessment may go ahead with the appointee only as long as all of the following
conditions are satisfied:
• Issue relates to the claimant’s health condition(s) or impairment
• It is medically reasonable
• It is not due to choice or convenience.
If evidence to support non-attendance and non-participation is available, then it should be considered and noted.

Let me know how you get on.
David

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
The following user(s) said Thank You: Wendy Woo, Kaitlin399

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4 weeks 21 hours ago #300365 by Sum
Thanks David ,

The Agent was from Ingeus, i think. to add more detail that might be useful .
Agent said clmt was exempt from F2f assmt.
i enquired about tel conference. Agent said call will be with me.
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4 weeks 21 hours ago #300366 by David
Hi Sum

Thanks for your update.

David

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems

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2 weeks 1 day ago #301219 by Sum
Hi All ,

Just finished the WCA tel assmt for UC

Appt was at 10.15am with Igenus. We got a call from an advisor to say the HCP was running late 30mins and asked if we were ok to wait .
HCP called within 30mins. call lasted 20mins
HCP spoke to me mainly, but did confirm son was present for the call. Luckily he was up in time but desperate to go back to sleep.
HCP focused on MH more then physical conditions.
Requested copy of report

I followed the B&W UC advice guide to prep for the tel call . i found it so useful to collect info and thoughts, esp the list of questions the HCP may ask . in our case the HCP didnt ask all questions.
Thank you

i will upd with a decision
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2 weeks 1 day ago #301227 by David
Hi Sum

Thank you for your update. A lot of members who are appointees will be interested.

David

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
The following user(s) said Thank You: Sum

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