Submitting new evidence to tribunal

Emma010101

I have had to take my case to appeal after not being awarded PIP. I recently submitted my response to the DWP (Which was full of inaccuracies!) And a 2 page letter from my doctor outlining my conditions and how they affect me. I am aware that some people get made an award before the case reaches tribunal - I just wondered how long it took after evidence was submitted that they received a phone call?

Albus_Scope

Hi @Emma010101, sorry to hear you're having issues, I remember what a pain it all is! 

Can I just clarify something. Have you had you mandatory reconsideration decision yet? 

Emma010101

Yes I have, it was also unsuccessful - however, I did not have a doctors letter at this point because each time I asked them they informed me that DWP should contact them via Capita, she said this is what usually happens 

Lottie1732

Hi @Emma010101

I lodged my appeal online on 11th July 23. I got a call from DWP on 3rd September and the backpayment was in my bank on 7th September.  They called to say they'd made a new decision so I went from nil mobility to enhanced. (I already had standard daily living, which I agree is fair).  

I wrote a letter that disputed their response to my appeal (their response had no kind of defence of their decision in it). I uploaded my letter in the same way that I'd uploaded evidence.

Good luck!

Albus_Scope

Reports vary here, some GPs have stated they get contacted, others appear not to.  But it's good you have all the information in hand now, that should help. 
 Depending on their current backlog, I believe it can be between 6-12 months for tribunals?  

Emma010101

They're response stated things like 'she has said she can do x-y-z' - but in my initial assessment, MR and appeal I have said that I cannot - its in black and white in the bundle that I've said one thing, and they've said another.. its so bad

Albus_Scope

I know first hand how frustrating it is when the assessors don't get the right information down.  But things tend to be very different with tribunals.  It feels like a marathon, but it's usually worth the wait. 

Make sure you keep us updated please.  

chiarieds

Hi @Emma010101 - it's usually said that the onus is on the claimant to get any evidence (tho your own anecdotal evidence is the most important) as your GP is comparitively rarely contacted. A letter from your GP may not be helpful if it just lists your conditions without relevance to the PIP activities/descriptors as they don't see you wash, dress, cook or budget, etc. Your GP's letter, saying how your conditions affect you, sounds more positive.

If the DWP make an offer before your Tribunal, be aware that this is usually because they feel you may get a higher, or longer award (or both) if it went to a Tribunal.

Do put the assessor's report behind you with yourTribunal, who are well aware that they can be of poor quality, unless there are one or 2 irrefutable errors. The tribunal will be more interested to hear about the difficulties you face.