ill health retirement and atos

[robert-mbr]

We tragically lost our young son at Christmas and have spent the last 6 months trying to rebuild our lives. We had great support from everyone including RM and with the massive support of councilling services my wife has returned to work. The kids are back in school and life is slowly finding some normality except for me its been a living hell. I suffer severe depression, so bad that i've tried suicide so am on very strong anti depression pills which do help, I am always tired and life for me is tough. Atos got me back on a rehab plan which I was unable to complete and have now conceeded I am unfit for work, I told my manager I would like ill health as I can't cope with the worry about work which he agrees is probably the best option. I've just had another sick note for 3 months and my doctor and counciller have written letters stating my condition and that I will be unlikely to return to work but atos are dragging their heals. I am waiting for them to arrange a meeting with their GP but have heard nothing for a number of weeks, I cant ring them and have no contact details to find out whats happening. Any advice? Thanks

[easter bunny]

My deepest sympathy to you and your family.

Because you went back to work, you needed to be referred back to ATOS by your DOM, when you went sick again. That shouldnt take too long to be honest. I would ring your DOM ASAP and ask him to chase up ATOS for you.
As for your IHR , I dont know what your age/length of service is but it is very important for you too stress to the ATOS doctor that because of your condition which could last for a lifetime that would believe that IHR with pension , is what you would like to receive. The ATOS doctor will therefore recommend that if she/he thinks that is the best course of action.

Also make sure the ATOS doctor gets you covered under the DDA..

It is very important financially for you that follow the above...It would help however to know the length of service/your age because that determinds your enchanced pension.

Please let us know how you get on mate...

[robert-mbr]

Thanks for the advice, i'm 39 with 10.5yrs service. I will ring my DOM tomorrow and area rep to start pressing again. I know RM want to use atos for everything but you'd think if your GP etc recommends something they would go with it, it'd just be a comfort to know when things are likely to happen. Cheers

[easter bunny]

ATOS rule ok as far as royal mail are concerned im afraid...