I applied for Disability Living Allowance (RA finally go the better of me after 6+ years) in late October, early November 2011. This was on the advice of my GP after I rejected suggestion of medical retirement. So it was official, i was on downhill slide with the disease.

The DWP kept shuffling around, requesting reports from GP, and then RA consultant and kept dithering util the April 2012 date that ATOS would be brought into this area for dealing with DLA apps.

ATOS assessor, kept asking me why I was being assessed as if I already had a job? I told him that I had applied for DLA to assist with my daily care and mobility needs which had increased exponentially in the last 12 months. He just didn't seem to get it.

After abut 45 minutes of answering repeated questions asked in different ways and evidencing some pointless physical capabilities (all coming from a computer survey which was suspiciously similar to the PIP questionnaire I had seen on line and with answers entered in), I was dismissed with the information that he (the assessor) does not make the decision and that if I am not satisfied with the outcome/award when the report is sent to me that I can appeal within 40 days.

Despite being unable to walk more than 8o yards on a good day and less than 20 on a bad day, I received no mobility. I was awarded lowest care component because I often cannot dress, groom or prepare meals without assistance.

I did not appeal. By the time the award report arrived I was so ill and so hopped up on pain killers, I just could not face such an ordeal.

The thing which most annoys me is that assessor repeatedly asking me why I was applying for DLA if I already had a job. What the hell does my having a job got to do with the fact that it costs me more to get to and from work and to live a normal life than it does people who don't have special needs.

When it comes time to be assessed again in October 2013, I may just give it a miss and lose the little benefit I am getting. I doublt it would be awarded anyway. Besides, by that time, the DWP might be charging us for the assessment.