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6 years 2 months ago #227085 by Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by Gordon on topic PIP renewal
AC
This is exactly why I told you not to ring them!!!
You are not legally entitled to have someone with you at the assessment, however, it is a reasonable adjustment under the Equality Act, the problem is that it is not down to the Assessment Provider to decide whether this is the case or not, only the DWP can decide this.
So you either need to attend this new appointment without a companion if they are not available on that date or not attend in which case your file will be returned to the DWP for them to make a Decision on whether to close your claim or not.
Gordon
This is exactly why I told you not to ring them!!!
You are not legally entitled to have someone with you at the assessment, however, it is a reasonable adjustment under the Equality Act, the problem is that it is not down to the Assessment Provider to decide whether this is the case or not, only the DWP can decide this.
So you either need to attend this new appointment without a companion if they are not available on that date or not attend in which case your file will be returned to the DWP for them to make a Decision on whether to close your claim or not.
Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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- angelcake
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6 years 2 months ago #227091 by angelcake
Replied by angelcake on topic PIP renewal
Hi Gordon but I had to ring them to arrange a date that my welfare officer could attend?
tthanks
AC
tthanks
AC
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- angelcake
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6 years 2 months ago #227094 by angelcake
Replied by angelcake on topic PIP renewal
plus even if I left it till the day before, the same thing could of happened as it's not like Atos where you can change the date there and then, with the independent one it is waiting for a call back 48hrs off the scheduling team call back and they didn't make me aware that missing two calls backs issues an automatic new date. Had they made me aware off this, it could have been totally avoided. but instead I was assured by the customer services that there would be no problem if I missed the call and just to call back. I did call them back on the same day but it was too late by then.
thanks
AC
thanks
AC
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6 years 2 months ago #227107 by Gordon
Forgive my stern response, I confused your post with another member's in a similar situation.
Did you give them the dates that you and your companion are available/not available?
It's usual for them to be unable to book a home assessment over the phone, they have more requests than their assessors can deal with so there is a waiting list.
If the date is for one that you both cannot meet and you have given them information on when you would be available then I would robustly challenge them about having used your two opportunities to attend but it could still result in your file being returned to the DWP if you do not attend. If this happens get your MP involved.
Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by Gordon on topic PIP renewal
angelcake wrote: Hi Gordon but I had to ring them to arrange a date that my welfare officer could attend?
tthanks
AC
Forgive my stern response, I confused your post with another member's in a similar situation.
Did you give them the dates that you and your companion are available/not available?
It's usual for them to be unable to book a home assessment over the phone, they have more requests than their assessors can deal with so there is a waiting list.
If the date is for one that you both cannot meet and you have given them information on when you would be available then I would robustly challenge them about having used your two opportunities to attend but it could still result in your file being returned to the DWP if you do not attend. If this happens get your MP involved.
Gordon
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- angelcake
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6 years 1 month ago #227362 by angelcake
Replied by angelcake on topic PIP renewal
Thanks Gordon,
I've never got the opportunity to give them dates! because when I called them I was unable to speak to them! and it is a call situation from the scheduling team, I think it might be just them who sort out dates home visits.
...and then I missed two call backs as mentioned previously but was not made aware of the implications of this i.e. issuing me with another date, without speaking to me so I could give them available dates.
... I decided to call them back in the hope I would get someone reasonable and understanding and although it was hard work , there was someone who was eventually willing to help and she gave me another date that we can both attend. She said she understood but they have this policy of two missed calls then they issue a date. I think she said they can't hold it open for the reason of needing someone to attend with you but don't quote me on it but it sounds like if I could not attend for reasons other than this, then they would not automatically reissue a date after two missed calls but not sure about that one.
thank goodness it is sorted out but it does seem like my two opportunites were used without me being able to give them available dates. For future reference is that right?
Also, I'm thinking of getting my assessment recorded is this best?
thanks
AC
I've never got the opportunity to give them dates! because when I called them I was unable to speak to them! and it is a call situation from the scheduling team, I think it might be just them who sort out dates home visits.
...and then I missed two call backs as mentioned previously but was not made aware of the implications of this i.e. issuing me with another date, without speaking to me so I could give them available dates.
... I decided to call them back in the hope I would get someone reasonable and understanding and although it was hard work , there was someone who was eventually willing to help and she gave me another date that we can both attend. She said she understood but they have this policy of two missed calls then they issue a date. I think she said they can't hold it open for the reason of needing someone to attend with you but don't quote me on it but it sounds like if I could not attend for reasons other than this, then they would not automatically reissue a date after two missed calls but not sure about that one.
thank goodness it is sorted out but it does seem like my two opportunites were used without me being able to give them available dates. For future reference is that right?
Also, I'm thinking of getting my assessment recorded is this best?
thanks
AC
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6 years 1 month ago #227372 by Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by Gordon on topic PIP renewal
AC
As this is for PIP you will have to provide the equipment to record the assessment, two cheap cassette recorders will be OK, you will need to ask permission and there is a possibility that doing so will result in the current appointment being moved.
Gordon
As this is for PIP you will have to provide the equipment to record the assessment, two cheap cassette recorders will be OK, you will need to ask permission and there is a possibility that doing so will result in the current appointment being moved.
Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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