Going to tribunal - questions about how to start

Commanded2bwell

Hello, I'm going to tribunal over being denied PIP at my last review, despite receiving it for the past few years. My condition is autism and I mention this as it will be pertinent to my questions, below.

I'm trying to figure out what evidence to send. Do I include a list of applicable descriptors and my justification for how they apply to me? (Basically, an updated version of my original PIP application.)

I don't have a lot of other evidence to send. I've never been able to get therapy without paying for it (and definitely can't do that, now) so don't have a regular therapist who can make a statement. I don't require a care plan. I could get a relative to write a letter… in the past it's always been my own testimony about how my daily life goes. I have a diagnosis, but I see that they don't want any evidence that has ever been submitted, before.

I would prefer not to attend the hearing in person (hence mentioning the nature of my condition, above). Dealing with such situations is one of my problems. Would this damage my case?

Who can I get to be a representative, and if I don't attend in person, do they still have to?

I'm afraid I've left this late to start. I got the MR decision letter on 9th April and only have one month to get this done, but have been ill since (and also mentally ill, as well, partly as a result of the decision).

Cheers

Kimi87

Although the standard time frame is a month, you actually have an additional 12 months after that, they will just ask why it is "late".

Local welfare rights will be able to advise you, and potentially represent you at any hearing.

https://advicelocal.uk/welfare-benefits

Commanded2bwell

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1022824#Comment_1022824

Thanks Kimi, but I'm afraid that website seems to be mostly defunct. The postcode checker only works half the time and most of the links to organisations don't go anywhere.

Kimi87

Try this one instead:

https://advicefinder.turn2us.org.uk/

Or you can always do a Google search for "area name + welfare rights"