My appeal for PIP was succesfull!

That’s great news?

 Hi @Bluechris05 don’t be worrying I know it’s easy for me saying this now as I’ve been and worn the T-shirt so to speak but honestly I was feeling the same as you, I suffer in addition to everything else severe social anxiety and panic attacks I had a friend with me which I would advise you to not attend in your own as that little bit of support really helps. My appointment was early morning and I’m not an early riser due to illness so I had been up really early so I could be feeling up to the morning ahead. The main thing I would say is to be prepared and have everything ready to read off if your asked any questions and your mind goes blank. I was told that there are cameras watching your arrival and in the waiting areas but to be honest if you’ve got nothing to hide and been truthful this would not bother you anyway I have trouble with mobility and I arrived in a taxi with my friend and was just myself didn’t act up (even if there were cameras) I made my way into reception gave my name and then went into the waiting area I couldn’t sit on any of the chairs avaiable(too low) and a lovely lady went and brought me a higher chair, I was then approached by a clerk who explained she would be looking after me during my appeal (if I required anything ) she explained the process and who would be attending the appeal . 5 mins later she cane back and told me the names of the people taking my appeal a doctor, judge and disability advisor but there was no one to represent DWP she said but this was not unusual for them not to attend and my appointment will still go ahead. I was very nervous at first but after the clerk talking to me I felt a lot at ease. I had with me the papers that I recieved back from DWP also additional papers I had sent in prior to 7 days of the tribunal which they did send back out to me as copes basically everything they had I had copies, I also had an additional letter from my specialist that I didn’t have time to send in but the clerk said give it to me and I will give it in if required. I was called in and to be honest lasted 15 mins if that! The judge introduced himself and who was in the room the clerk sat at the back I’m assuming typing up notes of what was being asked and answered. Please be advised they only want to know what happened from 12 months ago (I’ve waited 12 months for the appeal date so any new additional medical illnesses or effects on your daily life does not come into any consideration the panel kept referring to the past! When I very first appealed so from last yr how I walked , how I cooked, etc; literally a couple of questions each,  the disability advisor asked relative questions about my washing and dressing and cooking a meal from a yr ago, the doctor asked about the pain I felt last yr and how it effected my daily routine, the judge carried out a lot of writing and taking notes the judge then asked who completed the pip for and who wrote my appeal letter? Yes my family he then said where these written in your own words? Yes I said they thanked me for attending and said they have made the decision and a letter will be out within a day or 2 they’re was no talking between them or liaising the judge seemed to have done this (made decision) the clerk then came over to me and seen me out of the room and she said to me don’t worry you will hear tomorrow as it’s I who sends the decision out but I don’t know what that is now not until I have been told. Please do not worry I was really scared but it’s not as bad as your going to think the clerk was very supportive anything else you want to ask pls do ? thanks min 

Hi @Yadnad I kept diaries of my daily activities and how I was day to day some days I couldn’t write my hands were that bad I always got someone to write for me. I kept all paperwork in a folder to refer to as and when I needed them also documenting when I first took a certain medication and as and when it changed. 

Hi @Yadnad when you eventually recieve your appointment to attend the tribunal for ypur appeal you will recieve a bundle from the DWP which will be every single piece of paper you have sent to dwp ie your pip app form, GP letters, specialist info everything youvsemt to support your pip app. They will come numbered 1 to 100 etc; in order no matter how many times you have had to apply everything will be there also the assesses reports you need to take your time reading through everything this will bring everything back for you if you wish to add any additional info to support your appeal then you have up until 7 days to send additional info into them they will copy and send it bk adding to your bundle, you will be asked to take this along with you on the day of your appeal and if required the panel will refer to your bundle for example they said to me we refer to page 57 was this written by yourself and were these your own words? My answer my daughter completed this but was my own words. It’s how your illness effects you and how it was when you very first applied to the tribunal please don’t hesitate to ask any questions I’ve been through this I know it’s so worrying and I’ve still got to wait 30 days in case the DWP want to appeal they have the same rights ?

Hi @Yadnad I’m sure your rep will have dealt with this process if he has represented before but I wouldn’t worry too much as of out of all my bungle of papers they only asked 2 questions x 

@Yadnad yes of course it will! they know people are getting a hard time and being ill treated I had a lengthy letter written of complaint to ASOS with regards to the assecor who came out to my home she totally misinterpretated everything I said and basically compiled a load of rubbish! A copy of the letter was in with my papers as I sent a copy to the DWP the panel must have seen and read this and a comment was made with regards to the report the look onnthete faces said it all they knew it was wrong they really (well I think) take everything into consideration in your favour x