Tribunal pip

maggie74

Hi everyone, I’m looking for some friendly advice about an upcoming PIP tribunal please.

I originally applied for PIP in 2024 while in hospital after leaving a domestic violence relationship and being seriously harmed. I completed the pip2form during a long hospital stay when I could barely remember my own name and the nurse read the questions to me . Looking back, I didn’t understand how to answer the questions properly and often simply said “yes” if I was physically capable of doing something, without explaining the psychological impact or difficulties involved. I had the questions read to me and, just at my lowest, didn’t do a good job of explaining much on the form! Although to be honest, I was inundated with statements forms and just trying to survive. My circumstances have never changed, but I’m just much better at speaking rather than completing forms.

I was awarded 6 points after my DWP assessment and they based it heavily on the fact I said I could do something on my PIP2 form then later at the assessment ‘ said different ‘ I appealed, particularly because parts of the assessment report were very different from my life.

Two years and three tribunal dates later — all adjourned on the day because of incomplete panels — my fourth is finally scheduled by phone next week.

My evidence is much stronger now but my circumstances have never changed. I have extensive medical records covering the relevant period as a criminal case released to me so many documents and medical report reports I didn’t know existed until recently so I have submitted them to tribunal . I have lifelong physical injuries and PTSD which still significantly affect my daily life, although I am improving. There is also an ongoing criminal case connected to what happened.

I’m terrified the tribunal will focus on the simple “yes” answers on my original form rather than understanding the circumstances in which I completed it and the fuller picture shown by my evidence. I also tend to freeze if someone speaks harshly to me, so reading negative experiences of telephone tribunals has made me incredibly anxious.

Has anyone been through anything similar?

I’d also really appreciate hearing what a telephone tribunal is actually like.

Thank you

Rachel_Scope

Hi @maggie74 and welcome to the community. I'm so sorry to hear what you have been through. Do you have any mental health support?

I'm also sorry that your tribunal has been postponed for so long. I can't imagine how stressful this has been for you. I understand your worry about them focusing on your original answers. Do you feel able to explain your situation at the time you completed the form? It sounds like a very intense and stressful time and I would hope they would understand that you were not in the best frame of mind to be completing the form.

I haven't been through a phone tribunal but I have done a video one. You may already know this but they will be asking about your condition at the time you completed the form. You mention that your circumstances have not changed and you have evidence from that time, so that is a great start. My personal experience is fairly positive. I felt heard and it was good to get the chance to explain things as it can be difficult in writing. They asked quite a few questions but it was to make sure they were getting all the information they needed. It did not feel like they were trying to catch me out.

I understand that you have read about negative experiences and that can definitely happen. Just remember that someone is much more likely to discuss a negative experience than a positive one.

Is there anything else that you're particularly worried about?