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Pip tribunal in 4 days

Hi
I have a pip tribunal in 4 days time. Panicking is an understatement. I was on dla high rate care and low rate mobility, I know pip is a different benefit to dla and different process, with the descriptors and all. When I received the assessment report I was shocked, it was like she was describing a different person and a different assessment, which in doing research seems the norm, such a messed up system that doesn't work.
My Gp wouldn't give me a report (practice policy) said if dwp would have to request it, which they didn't. The only evidence I could get was from two CBT (Cognitive behavioural therapy) stating my diagnosis, all mental health related and a letter from my carer and partner stating my daily living issue's. Does anyone know if this evidence would hold any weight with the tribunal? My condition is generalised anxiety disorder, social phobia, depression and specific phobias (all stated on the letter from my therapist).
Thanks in advance
I have a pip tribunal in 4 days time. Panicking is an understatement. I was on dla high rate care and low rate mobility, I know pip is a different benefit to dla and different process, with the descriptors and all. When I received the assessment report I was shocked, it was like she was describing a different person and a different assessment, which in doing research seems the norm, such a messed up system that doesn't work.
My Gp wouldn't give me a report (practice policy) said if dwp would have to request it, which they didn't. The only evidence I could get was from two CBT (Cognitive behavioural therapy) stating my diagnosis, all mental health related and a letter from my carer and partner stating my daily living issue's. Does anyone know if this evidence would hold any weight with the tribunal? My condition is generalised anxiety disorder, social phobia, depression and specific phobias (all stated on the letter from my therapist).
Thanks in advance
Replies
Much appreciated
Tribunals are well aware that most assessor's reports are largely works of fiction so they don't have much confidence in them.
I had my tribunal hearing last week and won. However, all of my conditions are physical not mental. The medical evidence I had did help, no doubt. But the tribunal grilled me for half an hour all about what I can and can't do so my answers carried a lot of weight, too.
Have your wits about you and prepare to be cross examined. Beforehand, think about the kinds of questions the tribunal are likely to ask you. Preparation in advance should help you stay confident, calm and focused during the interview.
The first question the tribunal asked was how my health had been over the past year. They didn't ask how I travelled to the tribunal which I understand is a common question. In case the tribunal asks you, best have your carer drive you, or travel by taxi.
The tribunal ask me a lot of questions about how often I drive. Even tribunals seem to think that people who can drive can't be very disabled! Though this might be more relevant to mental rather than physical illness.
As @wildlife says, you can ask in 'Ask a benefits advisor' category for more help.
Good luck at the tribunal.
I had doubts right up to the day of the tribunal and many times thought of withdrawing my appeal. Pleased now that I didn't, of course!
Stay positive.
What is your current PIP award?
They gave me 4 points for daily living. Nothing for mobility. I wasn't shocked by the mobility bit, because I know you'll rarely get that for mental health. I wish I had of researched all this before assessment but it happened so quick. My money was gone in a blink of an eye
Appellants have gone from next to no points to qualifying points before. And have got mobility for mental health.
Look at the list of descriptors and think about how you meet the criteria. Don't over-estimate what you can do.
A benefits advisor will be able to give you more advice on Tuesday (or maybe earlier).
I scored myself 30+ points for daily living and the DWP awarded me 11! Happens all the time. Tribunal put me up to 13 points which gave me enhanced (I understand that once a tribunal has decided that one activity puts someone over the limit then they don't look at the other activities).
I scored myself 12 on mobility and DWP gave me 10 which the tribunal increased to 12.
That I drive didn't stop the tribunal increasing my mobility points to 12. But I did have to keep emphasising that I only drive two to three times a week and then journeys of not more than 12 miles return.
You should be all right if you don't deviate from saying that you only drive when accompanied and then only short journeys.
Assessor said in her report that, because I could drive, then I must also be able to do all sorts of daily activities as well. DWP repeated this in their award letter which I challenged in my MR request. DWP didn't change award - but didn't repeat again that being able to drive meant that I could dress, wash, etc without difficulty.
Far more complex movements and manual dexterity are required to wash, dress, prepare food than to drive an automatic car with power steering.
Thanks so much for your replies and help
The PIP appeals section on the Disability Rights website is very helpful.
Thanks I'll check it out now
I wish you the best of luck with your tribunal.Lots of good advice there from Matilda, and Wildlife. We are all routing for you, please let us know how you get on.
Thanks means alot
Thought I'd update you all. Had my pip appeal 2 days ago, the tribunal was running late, couldn't give me decision there and then. So had to wait 2 days for the letter to arrive. Very long 2 days. Anyway I was awarded 14 points for daily living (enhanced) and to my surprise 12 points for mobility (enhanced) thanks for all the positive messages. Hopefully they don't appeal it.