ESA-too mentally fragile for telephone assessment

Hi, I was supposed to be reassessed for ESA last March and sent in a load of supportive info from doctors, plus my last Atos report which made clear I am incapable of any kind of work, I have severe depression, complex ptsd severe ADHD and anxiety. I found the PIP assesment I had the previous year so distressing that I self harmed before and after, and my mobility allowance was taken away.
Despite the supportive information they said I still had to have a face to face assessment, but then everything was put on hold due to coronavirus. Yesterday I recieved a letter dated 11th May saying I was booked for a telephone assessment on 20th May. Since I have never given them my phone number, I am not sure how they intend to carry this out. Is there anything else I can do apart from re send the supportive information and tell them my MP is willing to step in? Ironically the only reason I am still on ESA at all is that the DWP are trying to make a claim against my aunts estate as her finances were in a mess due to alzheimers and the build up of her non means tested benefits pushed her over the threshold. As it stands at the moment my share of the estate would be over £16,000, though I have no idea how much will be left after they claim. I'm so stressed out by all this.

hi, I finally got a doctors letter asking for a paper based assessment on the grounds that a telephone assessment would cause overwhelming psychological distress. I sent it recorded delivery and it was recieved by the assessment centre on 11th June and the dwp wolverhampton on 15th June. Today I got a letter dated 18th June saying my telehone assessment had now been moved to 29th June between 9 and 10 am. No mention of my doctors letter, or the fact they do not have my telephone number. I despair. I am really in a bad way, my 93 year old dad had a fall, went into hospital and caught sepsis followed by corona virus, miraculously he survived, but the worry over it nearly pushed me over the edge plus my elderly aunt is also in hospital after a stroke. I don't know where to turn, I am sick with worry.

Hi Liliana,

I felt so angry on your behalf and hope the following may give you some pointers:

Like you, I provided a letter from my GP explaining why I could not have a face to face. Like you, I received a letter from assessment provider informing me of my assessment date. Grrrrr.

I was desperately terrified and posted my circumstances on this site. I think it was Gordon who replied to my post, simply stating that my GP letter had probably not even been seen by DWP.

My support worker rang on my behalf and, indeed, the letter was not on the system (even though it was returned with my form and other evidence!?).

My support worker was told to send in the GP letter again, which we did, but to both the DWP and to the assessment provider - with a covering explanatory note.

I was so very frightened; I have severe anxiety, agoraphobia, PTSD and social phobia. However, it WAS sorted.

I hope you can follow BIS's excellent suggestions and, maybe ask someone to call on your behalf re your GP letter (to hurry things along a little).

Puling for you,

Susie

... and I would add, under no circumstances let them bully you into giving them a number. Because the time is so short, if you can get anyone [friend, relative, bloke at the pub...!] to call them on your behalf to draw attention to the situation, clearly pointing out that the number they are calling from is their number and not yours, it might be a good safety net. They should quote your NI No. No doubt they will get argued with that they are not 'authorised' without DWP speaking to you on the call, but they are only ringing on your behalf to ask DWP to link up what you have already written and CANCEL the phone assessment. I managed to do exactly that for our daughter without her on the call so it can be done. [And only afterwards got and sent the GP 'OPD' letter too.]
Good wishes, Denby