Pip tribunal rep unable to attend

Zoey92

Hi, 
Me again (I've posted a few times haha) 
I have a tribunal booked for the 1st for my PIP appeal. But now my rep (my mum) was supposed to come with me but I am unable to get someone to watch my child so the choice is either bring him with(which I doubt will be allowed) or she stays home with him. 

I was going to call them and ask these questions but worried they may postpone which is something i dont want. Does anyone know if I can either go by myself (which is something id rather not do but will if there are no other options) or with someone else in her place without having to wait for them to rebook and send all documents to a new person out again. I'm someone who doesn't have a strong voice and would rather have my mum (who has a strong voice) present. 

Or could I request that it be changed to a video call on the 1st instead? 

I really don't want to wait a long time for another tribunal date as childcare issues is such a common thing in my life ATM so can't guarantee it won't happen again. 

I also worry that me going alone and carrying a bag with the paperwork will go against me as I've heard that they look at things like that although it's not heavy(unless that's just a face to face assessment) 

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks 

poppy123456

You won't be able to take your child with you. You can try contacting HMCTS to ask for a telephone or video hearing. Even with your mum with you, she wouldn't be able to speak on your behalf (unless she's your official DWP appointee) the panel would expect you to speak for yourself.

Carrying the bundle with you, will not go against you. The Tribunal are nothing to do with DWP or the health assessment providers and are usually very understanding.

Ross_Alumni

Hi @Zoey92, thank you for making this thread. 

I can understand your uncertainty about this, it's quite a tricky dilemma to have. I think as above it might be worth getting in touch with them, explaining your situation and requesting that it be moved to a video call instead. Hopefully they will be able to make that change at short notice.

Zoey92

Yeah I will call them Tuesday and ask this. If it can't be moved to a video call then I'm just going to brave it alone. Will update you all on the outcome 

Ross_Alumni

Zoey92 said:

Yeah I will call them Tuesday and ask this. If it can't be moved to a video call then I'm just going to brave it alone. Will update you all on the outcome 

Hopefully they can make the alteration for you I look forward to hearing about how you get on