CAN ANYONE HELP PLEASE!!! Work Focused Assessment

Hi, Can anyone please help me, I have to attend an ATOS MEDICAL ASSESSMENT to undertake a WFHRA, as I have been placed in the WORK RELATED GROUP when my appeal was upheld. (have already attended 6 pathways to work appts with my personal advisor whilst waiting for my Appealto be heard) I will be really grateful if anyone out there can help as to what questions I may be asked at this assessment and what to expect. Atos will pass the information to assist PA at the JCP, I feel this is such a waste of time, and also been advised that these assessments have been suspended for 2yrs from 19.07 but as we know it is not for us to question!!! so if anyone out there can help I would really appreciate. THANKYOU

Hi Maggie

There is a list of questions you will have to answer (or that the health professional will have to answer from your replies) on page 81 of the mental health guide, which you can find here if you are logged in.

There seems to be a lot of confusion over whether or not people are required to go to WFHRAs after 19th July, but unless JCP actually tell you that you don't need to go your benefit is likely to be affected if you don't go.

Best of luck

Derek

Hi Derek, Thanks so much for the link. I am feeling so stressed yet again, I feel it is never ending and am never going to get better. After failing my medical, I am now so paranoid, of how to answer a queston as I know what I say may be mis-interperated. Are there any guidance notes for this?. In this invaluable guide and forum!!!!. THANKYOU

Hi Maggie

I understand how you feel. Some of the questions are quite stupid and annoying, and treat us as though we are children. The only guidance for this assessment that I know of is pages 81-83. I don’t think your answers to these questions are as important as the actual medical that you have already had, as they have nothing to do with your entitlement to ESA, only the treatment or activity they ask you to do.

You could try answering the questions on paper in preparation for the assessment. If you are unable to answer a question at the assessment, there is nothing wrong with saying to the health professional ‘I don’t know’. After all, it is their job to make an assessment.

A news article on this site says that even a DWP advisor stated that no one takes any notice of the reports that get produced from these assessments. I don’t think it is worth panicking about.

Good luck

Derek

Many thanks Derek for your time and help, it is very much appreciated.