New here. Could do with help finding a representative for a PIP tribunal

sammyo

hello,

I’ve been on pip a few years both. I did a change in circumstances and I’m confused as to why my progressive conditions would change me from a long award to a 12 month? I’m on enhanced mobility. But scored 0 on a couple of parts in daily living where I’ve stated with help of evidence about how my condition affects me from nASS, gp’s several consultants. So I’m taking to trubunal….. has anyone done this? Who can I ask to help me with this?

Albus_Scope

Hi @sammyo and welcome. :)
Sorry to hear the DWP marked you as a 0 on daily living, they've done exactly the same thing to me, so I'm starting the tribunal process once more. I've had to do 3 tribunals now and I can say they're worlds apart from the assessments, so please try not to let it worry you too much.

You could speak to your local Citizens Advice and see if there's anyone local to you who could act as a rep for you?

sammyo

oh thank you for the reply! Sorry to hear you’ve gone through 3!!!! Eek but was starting to panic at the thought of a tribunal so thanks for the reassurance.

Sorry I didn’t make it clear I’ve been awarded 9 points on daily living and enhanced mobility… but for a few specific sections within daily living (communicating, speaking to people -sorry I know it called something different) it’s insulting as I know how limited I am in this bubble of pain fatigue and a bunch of physical, MH, autoimmune issues. My gp wrote a very supportive letter laying it out and saying that she disagrees and about my functioning history. I’ll get in touch with the cAB and see if they can help. I can’t bare the thought of going alone.

My main disease which causes the most issue are Ankylosing spondylitis and FND and AS for one is progressive and debilitating so how I go from a long award down to 12 months is bonkers?!

Best of luck with your tribunal 🙏🏻

poppy123456

Citizens Advice no longer represent at Tribunal due to lack of funding. You're better off looking for either Welfare Rights or a law centre in your area. This will help with that.

https://advicelocal.uk/welfare-benefits

Many people take it to Tribunal without representation so if you can't find someone I wouldn't worry too much. If you're lucky enough to find someone then please remember that you will still need to speak for yourself during the hearing.

You can also have a friend or family member with you during the hearing, whether that's telephone/video or face to face.

A letter from your GP isn't the best evidence to send either. This is because a GP doesn't spend any time with you to know how you manage the activities for the PIP descriptors and they don't see you wash, dress, undress, communicate with others etc etc.

The best evidence you can send is your real world examples. A couple of those for each descriptor that applies to you. With full details of exactly what happened the last time you attempted each descriptor that applies to you.

You should also add detailed information such as where you were, what exactly happened, did anyone see it and what the consequences were.