PIP Tribunal few days time (phone)

JohnLFC

I have my tribunal in a few days time over the telephone, does anyone have any advice on staying calm during this process? 

How do I address the panel during the call?

I will be alone during the call but will be getting checked on by a family member quite often as they also care for another family member who is in a serious health situation.

Should I explain my current circumstances that are impacting my stress & anxiety issues which are part of my existing health issues but have been made much worse since submitting my claim back in early January 22

Thanks for any advice. 

Becky93

First thing to realise is I imagine everyone goes in nervous to their tribunal, but they are not as bad as you fear in your mind. The people there are trying to understand you and your condition. One thing on your specific condition, from experience of a condition along those lines, I found the health professionals at the tribunal far superior and more understanding those that undertake the DWP assessments. I don't know if it's always the case, but at least the health professionals at my tribunal had a strong understanding of such conditions, and it's immediately noticeable in the questions they ask.

You will likely be introduced to 3 individuals over the phone including the judge. They will generally take turns asking you questions, you don't really have to address them in any way, as they will be the ones addressing you.

One thing to bear in mind with your last point is the questions you will be asked are asking you about your condition at the time you applied. The judge will likely iterate this point to you at the beginning.

JohnLFC

I had to attend one of these about 10 years ago with my dad for his disability and health conditions, this was a face to face hearing and it was a awful experience from what I could remember, the member of the panel that represented people with disability was not very understanding, instead of allowing my dad time to explain himself and his illnesses he seemed to treat him more like he was in trial, barking questions out at my dad making him more flustered and stressed at the hearing, making him confused and he used the word "sometimes" and after the hearing, he was told in their view it is either all the time or never to be awarded any rate of support.