Debs66 wrote: I just wanted to say 'Hi'
I was a member here a few years ago and have recently signed up again. I really can not thank B&W enough for the information, help & advice they have shared over the years.
THANK YOU
I don't think I have ever posted on this forum! Perhaps I should have done but at times I can be so consumed with my own grief, anxiety, depression and with fighting this unjust system I sometimes find it hard to express without sounding like a complete lunatic! 
My experience in short.
I applied for ESA in 2009. At some point I had a medical. They failed me. I took it to tribunal and won. Two years later I was called for another medical. Again they failed me. Again took it to tribunal and won. I have not heard from them now since 2012/3.
I have been on DLA for 4 years now and am due for my PIP assessment next week. Am dreading it and not expecting to be awarded - not after the experience I have had with ESA!
Already the last few weeks have been hell with Atos messing me about re appointments and cancelling on me so as I have had to re-book. Even a taxi turned up late! for an appointment THEY had cancelled!!
My heart goes out to everyone as we fight this evil system on a daily basis. It is not easy and it is so so wrong. We must carry on as good will overcome evil eventually. Stay strong 
Hi D66,
Thanks for the kind comments and :
Welcome back to Benefits and Work
Yes, ATOS can be awful in dealing with people's PIP Assessments !!
It is not entirely clear whether or not your Assessment is to be in your home, or at a Consultation Centre, so I will refer to both below.
Either way, you can read what to expect from around page 69 of our :
PIP Claims Guide. (2nd Link down the page)
You could also read through the latest version of :
The PIP Assessment Guide
which was updated on 28th July 2015 and gives guidance on how the Assessor should carry out the PIP Assessment.
The physical exam part of a PIP face to face is generally pretty basic, it is more of a Q & A session.
However, if they ask you carry out any actions that would cause you pain, discomfort or risk whilst doing so, you can refuse.
You should make it absolutely clear that you are not simply refusing point blank and explain why you are refusing.
The Assessor should then make allowances !
For a Home Assessment, you can choose the room where you wish the Assessment to take place, and the Assessor should not want to look around your home.
You may of course want to point out any Aids or Adaptations that you need to use to carry out any Activities that may be in another room.
You can have someone else present, and they can take notes.
A quick "heads up", PIP Assessors can turn up early, or not turn up at all !
For an Assessment at one of their Centres, travelling time to and from an Assessment Centre should not take more than 90 minutes either way using Public Transport.
You should be aware that how you manage the return trip to/from the Assessment Centre will be taken into account as part of the actual assessment.
You may be observed on approaching, leaving and whilst inside the centre.
Assumptions may be made by the assessor with regards to the above.
These assumptions could result in the assessor writing comments/recommendations within the PA 4 Medical Report which they compile and send to The DWP.
Please keep us updated, and good luck !
You should Bookmark/Favourite this page in your Internet Browser now. That way you can return to this topic easily to pose any further queries that you may have by replying to the topic.
Thanks in anticipation of your future co-operation in keeping all your PIP related queries to this topic !
bro58