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Making it difficult to claim PIP?
- South Glos Recovery
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9 years 4 months ago #148468 by South Glos Recovery
Making it difficult to claim PIP? was created by South Glos Recovery
Hi Folks
I wanted to see if anyone else has had a similar experience. I am a social worker and work with a 64 year old guy with a variety of physical health issues and a mood disorder. He lives in North Bristol. he was invited for a PIP assessment in Swindon (35 miles) at 8.30am. When I asked for a new appointment he was then offered Weston Super Mare (25 miles). I wrote to ATOS and they told me their DWP regulations allow them to offer appointments within 90 minutes journey. This seems harsh for someone who has a mood disorder which for him made it difficult to organise himself. Without our team's invovlement he would not have attended and lost any chance to qualify for the benefit. It is hard not to feel that this is what the arrangements are intended to achieve, or am I just being cynical? It doesnt seem fair or compassionate. Any thoughts?
Liam
I wanted to see if anyone else has had a similar experience. I am a social worker and work with a 64 year old guy with a variety of physical health issues and a mood disorder. He lives in North Bristol. he was invited for a PIP assessment in Swindon (35 miles) at 8.30am. When I asked for a new appointment he was then offered Weston Super Mare (25 miles). I wrote to ATOS and they told me their DWP regulations allow them to offer appointments within 90 minutes journey. This seems harsh for someone who has a mood disorder which for him made it difficult to organise himself. Without our team's invovlement he would not have attended and lost any chance to qualify for the benefit. It is hard not to feel that this is what the arrangements are intended to achieve, or am I just being cynical? It doesnt seem fair or compassionate. Any thoughts?
Liam
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- Gordon
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9 years 4 months ago #148471 by Gordon
I'm afraid that the information is correct although the Assessment Providers do not take into account issues in traveling at the time of the appointment such as traffic.
Without very strong medical evidence the only way that a claimant will be granted a home assessment is by their GP writing a letter explaining why they cannot attend, even then the decision remains with the AP.
You should also have a look at the following News Items
www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/news/3420-scan...-assessment-journeys
www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/news/3421-have...ip-assessment-centre
Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by Gordon on topic Making it difficult to claim PIP?
South Glos Recovery wrote: Hi Folks
I wanted to see if anyone else has had a similar experience. I am a social worker and work with a 64 year old guy with a variety of physical health issues and a mood disorder. He lives in North Bristol. he was invited for a PIP assessment in Swindon (35 miles) at 8.30am. When I asked for a new appointment he was then offered Weston Super Mare (25 miles). I wrote to ATOS and they told me their DWP regulations allow them to offer appointments within 90 minutes journey. This seems harsh for someone who has a mood disorder which for him made it difficult to organise himself. Without our team's invovlement he would not have attended and lost any chance to qualify for the benefit. It is hard not to feel that this is what the arrangements are intended to achieve, or am I just being cynical? It doesnt seem fair or compassionate. Any thoughts?
Liam
I'm afraid that the information is correct although the Assessment Providers do not take into account issues in traveling at the time of the appointment such as traffic.
Without very strong medical evidence the only way that a claimant will be granted a home assessment is by their GP writing a letter explaining why they cannot attend, even then the decision remains with the AP.
You should also have a look at the following News Items
www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/news/3420-scan...-assessment-journeys
www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/news/3421-have...ip-assessment-centre
Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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