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Appeal - Representative

Hi guys,
Just joined this group, have got loads information on here, thanks.
I have a question now before applying for PIP appeal, on the form it shows that we can assign a representative after send out the appeal form, does anyone know will it delay the appeal date? Because I am aware of how long I have to wait for the appeal date, do not want to waste more time to find a representative first then send out the form.
My report is full of lies and the MR stays 0 points.
Thanks in advance.
Replies
(Humans are the only animal that blush, or need to)
Many try to get through the system, like myself, on their own with no advice or help in sight. I agree about the Uni. I have one close by that also has a Law School. Unfortunately they had to give up on advising on benefits due to the volume of asylum seekers in the area that needed the help to stay in the country.
(Man is the only animal that blushes, or needs to!)
And the Uni - listed as only taking asylum and detention cases on.
Apart from those are the local CAB which I tried yonks ago but they were too busy as they never got back to me as promised to give me an appointment, AgeUK that had to close due to lack of funds but now reopened but no advice work taken on. DIAL shut up shop and was taken over by a charity about 90 miles away.
https://advicelocal.uk/
I will ring the nearest AgeUK.
Thanks again for the link
That's right Lily - the main thing is to get the appeal form submitted sooner rather than later. You can look for a representative later. Some people don't find a rep until they have a hearing date, which is months later. There's no need to identify a rep first and I wouldn't delay on sending out the form.
If you can't find a rep, don't despair. It's still worth appealing. Many people are successful at appeal stage. The main thing you can do to help yourself is to identify the points you think you should have scored, and why. If you can write that down so that it is submitted to the tribunal (at any stage, whether you've done it already for your MR, or you put it in later on when you get the DWP bundle for the appeal), then that helps them enormously. It gives a structure to the hearing & they can go through & ask about any issues on which they want clarification.
Also....honestly, not all advice agencies will judge you for having done your own MR, I'm sorry to hear that anyone would! I'd say most advice agencies are used to people coming to them at all stages of the appeal process, but it is the case that often due to volume of work and time pressures they can't always help. It's worth talking to people locally if you can. I don't know where you are exactly, but I know that in some 'advice desert' areas there are still volunteer reps who have learnt the rope & have lots of experience, if you know who to ask.
Will