Cancelled home visit by Atos

I have been sent an appointment by ATOS at 9 am of course because I said in my form how disabled I am in the morning and to make things worse it is 30 miles away in Vauxhall London and I have discovered they have an office near me at Redhill.

Is this just more torture of the disabled?

I will have to rearrange as it would be impossible to attend that appointment if I could I would not need PIP!

At moments like this I really wish I wasn't disabled from illness and able to work no one wants this hell.

Hi Pennyman,

We see this kind of thing often - the appointments are made with no reference to information given about availability etc.

If it would take you more than 90 minutes to reach the assessment centre by public transport, you can refuse the appointment without prejudicing your claim.

Otherwise, I'm afraid you will have to use your one allowed postponement. If you do this by phone you can make the new appointment at the time and have a better chance of getting something that is suitable.

You must attend the 2nd appointment or run the risk of your file being returned to DWP and claim closed

Thank you for your reply. In rush hour it would probably take even longer and the trains are packed or cancelled.

I was worried Redhill was no longer rented. I don't know where in Sussex you can go except Brighton.

I joked if you had Ebola you would still have to attend your 2nd appointment or risk loosing your benefit.

I wish no disabled person had to be put through this as nobody wants to be in this situation by choice. I am terrified about the assessment and worried I will say the wrong thing and face financial ruin.

Ironically the whole process makes you sicker!

Thank you again

I was offered an appointment at Croydon but worried it is not wheelchair friendly and Janetbee said no disabled loos either.

Redhill may have steps outside and even though it is closer it is booked up for 3 weeks.
My DLA runs out in October so could wait and it would be much more civilized for me to go there but no.

I am now worried Croydon will not be suitable. Worry, worry worry!

Could you phone and ask what the Croydon venue is like? Have you actually changed an appointment already?