RE Email WCA assessments deferral for 2 years

Just to let all know,this process does not apply in N.Ireland

Puccalove wrote: I would just like to say that the news regarding reassessments is actually good news, in my opinion. It means those of you expecting to be reassessed can relax for a couple of years. This is as opposed to the stress of filling in another form, going to another medical and potentially having your benefits removed. I am a little confused by the panic it has caused, although I can see how it may be confusing. Luckily Atos have now been very clear on the issue and you can read their statement in the news section.

Sorry for bumping this thread, but I'm thoroughly confused about the 2 year deferral issue. The article in the news section dated February 26th says that the deferment scans are due to be run "each month throughout the year", which I'm assuming means at least up to and including December 2014. It also says that "each time, all those due to be reassessed will be given a two year deferral". Now that seems very clear: if you're due to be reassessed this year, that will show up in the deferment scans and your assessment will be deferred.

However, in another forum thread (titled "effects of suspended WCAs", currently on page 8), Gordon says that "those expecting an assessment in the mid term six months may be assessed as normal depending on what the status of the system is at this time". I've also seen comments saying that while it is currently all repeat assessments that are being deferred, in future months it might only be some.

On the face of it there are two contradictions here: either the deferment scans will be run each month for the rest of the year as the February 26th article says, or the deferment process could stop within six months, but it has to be one or the other; it can't be both. And either all repeat assessments will be suspended with each scan, or it may be only some.

I don't remember seeing anything in the news section or newsletter casting doubt on the information in the February 26th article, but having read these comments in the forum I'm not sure what to believe. I don't have a definite reassessment date but I think it may be due some time around August or September of this year, so I may well be in a similar position to dilys, who says on this thread that her reassessment is due in September; bro58 says in reply that she should get the 2 year deferral. In my experience of these assessments, the form is normally sent out about three months before the assessment itself is due to take place, so prior to the news about reassessment suspension and the 2 year deferral, I'd been expecting to receive the form around May or June. When I read the February 26th article (and bro58's reply to dilys) I thought it meant I'd get the two year deferral, but now I'm not so sure. I'd really like to know if the February 26th article is still valid. Thanks!

I can understand your confusion.

I believe orginally there was a two year deferral for those due for reassessment planned by the DWP. However I believe they are now reviewing this on a monthly basis. I believe this means that for the time being as far as we know these reassessments are being deferred but that this may not be the case anymore over the coming months. So a two year deferral would be the maximum time cases will be deferred for but this may be reduced to a shorter time in the future. I imagine when we receive info that this deferral is ending this will be posted in the news section.

In reality I think its fair to say the system is in chaos and that we cannot really make any accurate predictions at this stage. I appreciate this leaves members in an uncomfortable position but stand by my original comments regarding deferral being positive for most claimants. Obviously you can phone the DWP for info regarding your claim but cannot guarantee how open or accurate any response will be. I leave it open to other moderators to correct me if I have misunderstood the situation or they have access to info I do not.

Puccalove wrote: I can understand your confusion.

I believe orginally there was a two year deferral for those due for reassessment planned by the DWP. However I believe they are now reviewing this on a monthly basis. I believe this means that for the time being as far as we know these reassessments are being deferred but that this may not be the case anymore over the coming months. So a two year deferral would be the maximum time cases will be deferred for but this may be reduced to a shorter time in the future. I imagine when we receive info that this deferral is ending this will be posted in the news section.

In reality I think its fair to say the system is in chaos and that we cannot really make any accurate predictions at this stage. I appreciate this leaves members in an uncomfortable position but stand by my original comments regarding deferral being positive for most claimants. Obviously you can phone the DWP for info regarding your claim but cannot guarantee how open or accurate any response will be. I leave it open to other moderators to correct me if I have misunderstood the situation or they have access to info I do not.

Thanks for the reply. From what you're saying, it seems that the DWP's current position is as follows:

1. The deferment scans might continue throughout the whole of 2014, or they might not.

2. All those due to be reassessed will have their assessments deferred, or possibly only some.

3. The deferments given might be for two years, or they might not.

So that's nice and clear then! I'd be interested to know what Gordon thinks about this.