PIP tribunal advice

justmeandthee

Hi, I finally applied for PIP May 22, my tribunal is in 3wks time...70 long weeks that will be in total. 
Today I have just had a letter from the tribunal saying DWP submitted new evidence 2/07/23 however it doesn't show me the content?
They always send DWP a copy of my further evidence because then it gets sent back to me. Anyway it just states that it is GP evidence outlining that I suffer from a number of medical conditions but no specific opinions on my ability to complete any of the activities. 

This has thrown me a bit as they never contacted my GP at initial refusal or during MR. 

Are they clutching at straws or trying to totally discredit me?

I've been following other cases recently as I'm terrified of going to the tribunal. I haven't seen anyone say GP has been contacted at this late stage. 

chiarieds

Hi @justmeandthee - & welcome to the community. I wouldn't read anything much in what the DWP have said, which just means your GP's letter doesn't tell them anything further about problems you face with the activities/descriptors that are looked at with PIP. GP's letters usually aren't a help as they don't see you dress, cook, budget, etc. In no way however does your GP's letter discredit anything you've said, so please try not to worry.

Remember the tribunal will want to listen to you, & they are totally separate from the DWP. Best wishes for 3 weeks time!

justmeandthee

Thank you. Nervous wreck at the moment. 
I have sent so much evidence and very detailed specifics of how day to day life impacts upon me. Been under pain management for over a decade and had repeated procedure's.
Since then I have various other conditions when all added together make life very hard most days. 

justmeandthee

I had my hearing yesterday. At the end of the call (1 and a half hours) the Judge said he'd send a letter out that evening.
Had an email this morning to say letter sent and if any further questions about the benefit to contact DWP. 

I have logged in online and it says closed but there is no drop-down box to indicate the outcome. More waiting. 

Adrian_Scope

I hope the letter arrives quickly @justmeandthee. How did you find the tribunal? 

justmeandthee

@Adrian_Scope thanks. Me too. Not sure if anyone else has experienced no update online but it still shows closed and no outcome box. Very stressful. 

I felt the Judge, Dr and disability expert were very good with me, especially the disability expert. It was a difficult experience and I was alone so that made me more anxious. They did tell me to hang up, have a break and then they called me back. Far more compassion than the assessor I had. 
Will update when I get an update. 

justmeandthee

justmeandthee

This is all I have in regards to an update. 
The wording implies an award but I could be wrong. 
@Adrian_Scope

Adrian_Scope

I don't think you can read anything into the message @justmeandthee but I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for you. Please let us know when you receive the outcome  

justmeandthee

This is so stressful. Still no letter and still no update online. 
I emailed the Clerk and she said she'd send another copy of the letter today but still hasn't updated the online account. 
71 weeks since I started this process 😕 @Adrian_Scope @Floydiee1995

Albus_Scope

I'm so sorry to hear you've still not received the outcome @justmeandthee, that's nerve wracking enough as it is! 

  I'd try not to get too in your head about things until you get the letter.  They've said the 29th, so give it until then.   But I'll be keeping everything crossed for you.  

justmeandthee

At last the letter has arrived with an award. Wouldn't wish this process upon anyone. 
Thank you for this forum as I was so close to giving up and not going through with my tribunal. 
Relief is an understatement 😊😊😊

justmeandthee

@Albus_Scope
Call on sun asking me for bank details etc, said 2-3 working days for backpay.....at the end of the call she said oh then fell silent. Oh.....I've been flagged for an audit so it won't be 2-3 days. She then went on to say it's her not me who's being checked. The wait continues 🤣🤣 seriously couldn't make this up! 

Hannah_Alumni

Oh no @justmeandthee Did they say how long it would be?

justmeandthee

@Hannah_Scope not really. Maybe 7 working days but she was guessing. 

Hannah_Alumni

Hopefully it won't be too long!