Going to Tribunal

NannyPammy

Hello I’m Pam , New to scope , I have helped a few people with PIP and been very successful, I am helping a close friend with PIP but because appeal to DWP unsuccessful got to go tribunal , She has been on PIP a few years receiving only the low rate care element only , As her late husband sadly passed away April 2024 , She has found it much more difficult in all areas as he was her main support and caregiver, She had a brain tumour in 2010 , Leaving her having to have Hormone injections which make her aggressive and causes other side effects ,

She also has :-

Fibromyalgia

Arthritis in her hands and foot

Had shoulder cuff replacement

Depression & Anxiety

She Just been diagnosed with ADHD (which I have said to DWP was pending) and consequently she has been referred for an Autism Diagnosis as she showed several traits of Autism during ADHD assessment , I think she should be entitled to enhanced rate of both elements and has been well underscored , I have written loads in appeal letters sent supporting evidence but the DWP won’t budge on her points awarded. She can drive but She cannot use public transport due to her anxiety and ADHD , The DWP rep has almost fixated on fact that she can drive ( I think) and this seems outrageous, She cannot work and hasn’t for some 5years or more due to her various ailments , She cannot get UC because of inheritance from her late husband pushing her over the threshold . Any advice for going to the tribunal please.

Many Thanks Pam

NannyPammy

Albus_Scope

Heya @NannyPammy and welcome to the community. 😁

PIP isn't about any diagnosis, it' only to do with how the disabilities affect your friend on a daily basis, so if you can get that information across clearly and concisely then you'll be ok. I found the tribunal to be a lot kinder and caring than the DWP assessment, so please try not to panic too much. It's worth noting sometimes less is more and a tribunal is one of these occasions. They have to deal with a lot of cases daily, so if you can get all that information condensed down into a few pages of easy to read material, then that'll go a long way to helping your friend.
I can see why they'd focus on her being able to drive, as they'll be arguing that your friend wouldn't need to use public transport if they can drive a car. But please remember the tribunal are not the DWP, so as long as you can explain things, you should be ok. They have rules to follow, but they're a lot nicer about things.

Best of luck!

NannyPammy

Thank You , Very Much

Kiki23

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/137867/going-to-tribunal

@NannyPammy

You seem like such a caring person and an awesome friend/advocate! Wish I had a knowledgeable friend like you to help advocate for me 😋