When we are in the fortunate position where we are independent and casually look after ourselves and others, we start taking everything for granted.
But if you happen to be unlucky like this person we'll call Ms X and just due to bad luck injure yourself permanently or maybe a bit more lucky and are unable to work for a short time then you can face our country's Benefit System!
Ms X met with an accident last year which has had some permanent damage affecting mobility and independence. During this course she has had a harsh reality check when after paying full taxes, applied for some support from our country.
Turns out it is not that easy as they make it out to be!
Our country is supposed to have the best welfare system in the world but what good a system can do if it can't help the deserving when they need it the most?
Anyway, to cut a long story short - Ms X was eventually assessed by an ATOS 'Specialist Doctor'. I thought the assessment went well, as he could clearly see how distressed and in pain Ms X was. However when we got the refusal letter, I was truly surprised!
Ms X then promptly asked to see the report compiled by the doctor and was shocked to what he had written.
The report was fabricated and completely contradictory to the medical evidence. There was information in there which I found utterly disturbing as it was all lies. The doctor had shamelessly made stuff up.
Ms X decided to write to ATOS to challenge the report but they don't want to know you as obviously they have been paid - neither do DWP as 'the decision maker' has made his/her decision based on that report.
Ms X queried DWP, the evidence they need in order to make a decision and have been told very clearly that the decision maker 'does not need' GP report or any other medical professionals assessment to make this decision, which indeed sounds very suspicious and makes you wonder who actually is benefiting from this all.
So, when your application is refused you can go down the appeal route but the same report is used by the independent tribunal. So really there is no point as there won't be enough medical evidence to put your case forward!
There is an option to apply again, however the decision maker can use the previous report to assess your new application. Then even to apply again is a useless exercise you may say, and you would be right!
In his case Ms X decided not to go down the appeal route as she can't go through that joke that they call medical assessment. And if she did apply again, they would still use the same report so it is really feel frustrating and helplessness and honestly are slowly losing faith in our system.
Although, we are now on a mission to change this biased, unfair system which only protects the ATOS people and those at DWP. I am in this fortunate position where I can read and write and voice my opinion - my heart goes out to those who have been dealt with unfairly and have been stripped off their benefits they deserve, because of ATOS!
In a nutshell - ATOS are paid by DWP to carry out assessments which then enables the appliacnt to apply for some support from the state. However, ATOS are abusing their power and in many instances compiling misinformed/false reports which can go against the applicant. Thus saving DWP money!
The DWP then have the discretion to solely use that report/assessment and decide; without consulting the GP, Consultants or anyother professional body involved.
This is by anybody's standard not right or fair. Any decision made should be in light of all relevant medical/professional evidence available.
I have read numerous stories about hundreds of people online, who have been in the same position. There many forums discussing the issue but there is nothing concrete happening, DWP and ATOS together continue to work and in many instances deny public of their basic rights.
If you have been affected by the process then now is the time to act! This current system is not working and needs to be changed.
In order to do so, I need as many people I can to participate here .
Share your experience and propose some solutions. The more people there are, the more chances there are to officially present this matter to the MP's. Lets begin our mission....Hopefully with a significant number of cases discussed and shared, we can make our voices heard to those who are sitting on high positions - making the policies that make or break the public's lives!
