What is a PIP tribunal like?

chelseadagger

I have my PIP tribunal coming up after my standard rate daily living and mobility PIP award was removed in March 2021. When it was awarded in September 2017 I thought I should've been eligible for at least enhanced mobility, but didn't want to risk losing everything by fighting it after three unsuccessful applications before that. 

I had a tribunal date last summer, but this was adjourned pretty much immediately because I started crying as soon as they asked my name. 

My new tribunal, in the next few weeks, is going to be in person. I've had the assessments before, done mandatory reconsideration before, but never the tribunal stage.

I'm really nervous about it, and while I know I'll cry because that's what I do during difficult conversations like this with authority figures (like the judge), I just want to know what it's actually like. Could you tell me about yours, if you've had one? How long it lasted, how it felt, whether it was successful, and whether the DWP representative there tried to argue against what you were saying? I'm not sure if I'll have to interact with DWP, or if it'll be a case of us presenting our sides of things and them not getting an opportunity to question me as such. 

I also wanted to have someone there in person with me as an advocate, but haven't been able to source a free option. My parent will be waiting outside, but some of what I'll have to talk about will be much more difficult with them in the room so they won't be coming in. 

calcotti

The DWP representative (if there is one present) will argue that the DWP decision is correct - that's their job.

You will not be expected to interact directly with the DWP representative.

The tribunal will seek to understand your difficulties in order to help them make a decision. Obviously different panels differ because the members of the panel differ. A good panel will seek to put you at your ease and the judge will often say something to you at the start to explain that they simply want to hear from you.

You can have someone with you if it will help to make you more comfortable but the tribunal will want you to be the one that explains your difficulties.

Alex_Alumni

Hi there @chelseadagger and welcome to the community, thanks for your query. Has the above reply helped to straighten things out, or is there anything else you're unsure of? 

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