Finally got a date for my Tribunal Hearing, 3 years later.. HELP!

pangan
pangan Online Community Member Posts: 1 Listener
in PIP, DLA, ADP and AA

So as the title said I have received a letter after nearly 3 years after my initial application for PIP. I had no idea this was coming and thought it was dismissed (stupid I know but I hadn’t heard anything in so long I just assumed)

I am a 25 year old living with fibromyalgia, depression and anxiety (to name a few) and I was 22 when I applied. I was scored 0 points in both categories despite citizens advice assisting me in the application process and incorrectly assuming it would be a straightforward case.

My letter got lost, I only received it a couple of days ago (it’s now 1st December, the hearing is the 3rd) and I am a mess. Panicking over saying the wrong thing or worse, not being believed. It’s taken me a long time to get my diagnosis and I’m still struggling to find a treatment that works. I believe due to my age and the fact I am working (part time) played heavily into the decision made by the assessor. Everything was done over the phone, the one call was interrupted halfway by a fire alarm and the assessor panicking as he was in a new office and unaware if there was a drill or an actual fire.

I have organised transport to the hearing, my boyfriend would be coming in with me. Any tips on what I can do to get my voice heard and the help I’m in desperate need for would be greatly appreciated.

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Comments

  • Trevor_PIP
    Trevor_PIP Online Community Member Posts: 685 Pioneering
    edited 2:48AM

    @pangan 3 years is ridiculous. Normally a year or so at the most. The tribunal service and yourself will have been sent a document pack from the DWP. The pack will contain your application form and evidence. The tribunal service will have the document pack present with them. You have yours. A tribunal is a lot better than the assessment, with professional people present that will listen to your struggles with your disabilities. One will be a Doctor. You will be asked questions and you can refer to your document pack. May be worth reading through your document pack prior to remind you what you said since years have passed. Just keep calm and it will go well. If you win and the success rate at tribunals is high, you should be in for a lot of back payment. Best of luck!

    You can work full time and claim PIP, some assessors do use working to remove points but it is wrong. Even though you were not happy with your assessment, just concentrate on this tribunal. Maybe worth having bullet points of your issues to remind you after reading through your document pack at home.

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