How do I get an advocate?

Dana97

I applied for PIP in November of last year due to mental health issues making it impossible for me to work but, as I’m sure we all expect by now, I was refused with 0 points after the face to face meeting. I’m now taking it to tribunal because I can’t claim any other benefits due to my boyfriend working though he’s also been refused PIP now after trying to switch from DLA even though he has autism but that’s a whole different story. 
One of my main mental health issues is anxiety so as you can imagine I’m finding the whole process confusing and horrid so I’m trying to find out how to get an advocate! I won’t have anyone to go with me otherwise and I don’t even want to think about how I’d manage that. So, how do I go about getting an advocate?!

Dana97

I applied for PIP in November of last year due to mental health issues making it impossible for me to work but, as I’m sure we all expect by now, I was refused with 0 points after the face to face meeting. I’m now taking it to tribunal because I can’t claim any other benefits due to my boyfriend working though he’s also been refused PIP now after trying to switch from DLA even though he has autism but that’s a whole different story. 
One of my main mental health issues is anxiety so as you can imagine I’m finding the whole process confusing and horrid so I’m trying to find out how to get an advocate! I won’t have anyone to go with me otherwise and I don’t even want to think about how I’d manage that. So, how do I go about getting an advocate?!

mikehughescq

Try your local independent advice centre, Citizens Advice, local authority welfare rights service or law centre for starters.

Sue52

Hi @Dana97
Hope yr well .. Have u asked anyone locally if they have knowledge of PIP and the way the system works, also if they would be available to go with u. Sometimes it’s better to have someone you know and trust with you. 
All the best 
Sue 
x 

poppy123456

Hi,

It maybe too late to get a representative now at this late stage, especially if you've got a date for the hearing. If you do find it difficult then maybe ask a friend or family member to go with you on the day for support. Good luck.

mikehughescq

Go find a rep and, if you do, it’s perfectly acceptable for them to ask for a postponement to familiarise themselves with the case.

Castleford1

Hi Dana
My daughters circumstances are somewhat different to yours in that she has learning disabilities.  When I was looking for an Advocate to attend f2f for PIP with us I first approached the local Community Learning Disabilities Team of Social Services Department (Wakefield Council) who gave me the phone number for Advocacy services in our area. I rang them and they agreed that my daughter would have the services of an Advocate for her f2f.  As it happened she didn't need one as she was awarded PIP on paper based assessment.  Have you got a Social Worker or Mental Health worker?  If so contract them or try your local Social Services Department or maybe Scope in your area may be able to tell you. I'm not sure, however, if every area provides this service because of cut backs.  Good Luck to you.

debbiedo49

Good luck

Misscleo

Local???
Theres noughthing like that local to me and i live in a big city

Yadnad

Misscleo said:

Local???
Theres noughthing like that local to me and i live in a big city

I am surprised.
I live in the sticks so can understand your problem which shouldn't be a problem.

What city is it?

Dana97

I’ve not gotten a date yet and when I’ve phoned them it sounds like it’s still quite a way away. I don’t have any friends or family who can go with me unfortunately and because of my anxiety I don’t know anyone local! I’ll be heading to CAB on Wednesday when they’re open to see what they can do since they’ve been helpful in the past. If that doesn’t work my mum said she’ll help me phone around to some charities to see who might be able to help. Thanks for the advice everyone! 

Yadnad

If you do manage to find someone that will help you they may well be part of a large organisation with branches local to me. I could do with some help with an old PIP failure decision and/or a claim for Attendance Allowance.