pip tribunal

cazza62

Hello got a letter for my tribunal which is on the 29/;10/;18 any advice you peeps can give me I would be very grateful I am very nervous about this @)

Peasmold_01

Firstly, are you being represented by anyone? If so, talk to them about what happens, and what you need to take. If not, at least have a friend with you even if they don't speak in your support. The format of the Tribunal is as relaxed as it could possibly be. Three people, a Judge, (Not wearing a white wig or gowns) a doctor,(Not in a white coat) and a lay person. You will be asked to sit down at table in front of them, and the Judge will explain the proceedings. He will ask you a few questions, then pass the questioning over to the doctor, who will similarly ask a series of question, then the lay person. Don't get flustered, tell them exactly how disability affects you. If you can, obtain your medical notes going back two years, if they support your case, and send them into the HMCTS at least two weeks before the hearing. Some hearing can take an hour, or slightly longer, others, like mine was all over and done in 15 minutes, and I won. (With the help Pro Bono legal representation) Make sure you have a copy of all the information that you have provided to DWP, and HMCTS, it is referred as the evidence bundle. Before the hearing you should receive a copy of the evidence and statements made by the DWP to the tribunal explaining why the turned you down. Read it,get to know it, because you will have to formulate counter arguments. Good Luck

cazza62

Thank you ever so much @Peasmold_01 for your advice much appreciated 

Pinkangel

 Great information . Thankyou.. Iv just got my PIP form, and dreading the whole procedure to be honest, but I need to do it, I know.. will remember what you wrote, incase I have to go through the same.x

Pinkangel

And GOOD LUCK Cazza62.. everything crossed for you x

cazza62

@Pinkangel and you too sound advice from @Peasmold_01

mikehughescq

Sorry for copy and pasting.

1) Concentrate wholly on what you were like on the date of claim.

2) There are no “trick” questions. Tribunals are usually listed 20 minutes apart so, apart from the appeal papers, they need questions which cut across lots of functions. So the car question is brilliant because it indicates grip; mobility; dexterity; the ability to do something repeatedly; concentration and stamina. Instead of thinking negatively about such stuff think about what they’re getting at and your answers will be much better and more detailed. Similar questions include whether you’ve been on holiday recently. It feeds into mobility (getting across an airport); stamina; the ability to cope alone; the need for aids and appliances.

3) There are no set rules or order for a hearing beyind the requirement that it must be seen to be fair. 

4) Watch the judge’s pen. All three members may take notes but only the judge writes a record of proceedings. If you don’t want them to miss anything then remember that they can’t write as fast as you can speak, so watch their pen and slow down. Don’t worry about going too slow. They will tell you if you do.

5) Never interrupt any tribunal member. It is perfectly okay to challenge them provided it’s not rude or aggressive. However, think about whether what you’re challenging them on is directly related to points. If it’s not then better to focus on points. This is especially important because loads of people second guess the demeanour of tribunal members as determining whether they are pro or against and it’s largely nonsense. An aggressive, challenging member may well just be a poor communicator and wholly on your side right up to the point you challenge them etc.

6) Get yourself a representative and travel to the venue by whatever means makes you feel comfortable. It’s only ever an issue if you don’t explain what you did in full and if doing so contradicts your other evidence in some way for daily living and /or mobility.

7) Same goes for clothes. You need to wear whatever makes you feel comfortable and relaxed. If you’re not relaxed then the likelihood of you presenting well are much reduced. Dressing down is not a good idea unless that all you can afford. A person who feels naked without make-up or a suit abd tie will similarly be over stressed if they try to pretend they’re in their comfort zone dressing down. 

8) Other people’s tribunal experience can be valuable but it’s just that. Their experience. If they lost then it’s the tribunal to blame. If they win they everything they did is why they won and what you must do. The truth is usually very much in between.

9) Know your case. What points are you going for and why. What’s your evidence? “The HCP was a liar” is neither evidence nor a winning strategy. Also, know the appeal papers. What’s where. 

10) Do not be tempted to claim you’ve worsened since the date of claim. That’s a recipe for a failed appeal and an invitation to make another claim. Even if you have got worse always concentrate on your date of claim and what you were like then.

Pippa_Alumni

Wishing you all the best, @cazza62! If you haven't seen it already, you may also like to check out Scope's advice on DWP appeals and tribunals.

cazza62

thank you @mikehughescq for advice much appreciated