ESA50 and disclosing phone numbers

[reallymadwoman]

It is a legal requirement that you be notified of the date and time of your assessment in writing. As stated above, a telephone call is in addition to written notification and simply done because some people find that easier.

 

I have from the outset refused to speak to ATOS or DWP on the phone and have never had my benefits sanctioned as a result.

 

Everyone on this thread has told you exactly the same thing however you seem to know better so why ask in the first place?

[speedfreek]

I have no idea what pro bono notification is, but how can you be sure that you are right?

 

pro bono likes the lead singer of U2

 

&

 

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2008/794/regulation/49/made

 

Notification of assessment

 

49.—(1) The health care professional who is to carry out the work-focused health-related assessment, or a person acting on the health care professional’s behalf, must notify the claimant of the requirement to attend the work-focused health-related assessment including details of the date, time and place of the assessment.

 

(2) Notification under paragraph (1) must be given in writing at least 7 days before the claimant is required to attend the work-focused health-related assessment unless the claimant agrees to accept a shorter period of notice whether given in writing or otherwise.

 

note reference to letter and the word must.

 

The reasons for the telephone calls are outlined in my post above. If you do not want to talk to them or ignore the phone calls a letter is sent end of! No further action but sending a notification letter can nor will be taken period!

[aw248]

Sorry i haven't been able to read all the replies you had, if you left blank where you should have put your phone number that should be ok. Why you think Atos will ring you? they have never rang me, just sent me a letter.

If you are worried about them ringing you and your partner finding out, there are other ways that you can set your telephone so the call wont get through.

If you ask Atos not to ring you because you don't want your partner to know they will get suspicious and investigate you and give you a lot more stress.

[citizenB]

Thank you for this SF - I have highlighted the relevant section

[speedfreek]

Missed a bit.

 

Although ATOS might ring they will not disclose any personal information unless the other person successfully answers security questions.

 

They may revel that they are ATOS and inquire when's the best time to call you back. They should not disclose why they are calling you to anybody else but you.

 

Data protection issue is they do!

 

You could say that you applied for a job or something with them if asked? Not to hard to spin that little white lie.

 

Your best solution (if you thought about it earlier) would have been to set up a cheep payg mobile with a £10 top up. There's different rules for diff operators as you usually have to make 1 single charge able phone call every 3-6 months or they take the credit away. My legacy Vodaphone mobile I converted to PAYG topped up with £10 4 years ago and a quick call to my land line means that's never been topped up since.

 

Apologies if I was a little flippant and off hand earlier this thinking lark has been a bit beyond me for the past 6 months.

[ghost whistler]

You've been given the answer several times, most recently (and in some detail) by Speedfreek above. It's up to you whether you want to accept the information or not.

your attitude is a joke.

 

and if people think that this issue is a 'non thread' they can **** off. This is EXTREMELY serious to me. and I will not have my feelings traduced by some ****, especially on what is supposed to be a support forum!

[Nystagmite]

How rude. You've been given your answer a few times throughout this thread.

[**Margaret**]

:Shatos n Data Protection:

 

Shatos overdo data protection when it suits them not to recognise;

 

Third party authority, even when it's been given via letter or on page 20 of an ESA50.

(Page 19 of the 01/13 edition, if they ever get the internet version to work!)

 

Implied consent, even when the claimant's unconsious!

 

Margaret.

[antone]

your attitude is a joke.

 

and if people think that this issue is a 'non thread' they can **** off. This is EXTREMELY serious to me. and I will not have my feelings traduced by some ****, especially on what is supposed to be a support forum!

 

Listen carefully: do not speak to anyone like this - not me, nor any other poster. This is not negotiable.

[RaeUK]

How rude. You've been given your answer a few times throughout this thread.

 

Indeed. Especially as the OP was happy to use the phone to call the DWP ...

[ims21]

Enough is enough.

 

I have reviewed the thread and it is quite plain that the answers you have sought have been given by some very experienced members and they have been good enough to go into great detail in their replies.

 

We will not allow this thread to degenerate any further and therefore it has been closed.

 

Thank you to all who have provided answers and I am sorry that your efforts appear not to be appreciated.