I can’t cope with PIP Tribunal.

[Stressedafff]

I applied for PIP on December 24th 2021. Was declined and did a mandatory reconsideration which also was declined. I appealed to the tribunal on 1st July last year, was told 25 week wait. I’m appearing via phone due to agoraphobia and mental health conditions and I am dreading it. I’m still waiting on a date for tribunal, I phoned to enquire and was told they’d put it through to the listing team but nothings come of it. The thought of going through this is making me more unwell. I’m waking up in the night with panic attacks, vomiting and my hair is starting to fall out. I feel like withdrawing this appeal because it’s making me poorly. I don’t know what to do.

What is PIP?

Ah sorry just googled it, some sort of benefit payment? I guess you have 2 choices:

1. get your anxiety under control (mindfulness, yoga, medicine etc)
2. drop the claim

they both are tough, pick your tough.

FFS if you don't know what PIP is you don't need to give "advice".

OP I hope someone who can actually help comes along soon. All the best.

You make it sound so simple. Would you say the same to someone who was going to tribunal for a physical condition and was anxious about it?

As hard as it is, stick with it. I had a friend being dismissed at first because he put the distance he could walk in metres instead of feet. He was approved in the end.

Have you got any support such as GP/CAB/support worker?

Please bear with it as it sounds like you need the extra support to help you with the extra costs of a disability

Can you have someone with you to help with the phone call when it comes. Are you getting any mental health help that can help with any coping mechanisms.

<hand hold>

I got through my appeal in person a few years ago thanks to the great advice and support from lovely MNers.

Went from completely turned down to restoration of full mobility PIP.

Can you cling onto the fact that the worst that can happen is that they will fail to award it?

If you don't go through the appeal, that's what will happen too.

So even if you feel you've "stuffed up" in front of them, you won't be any worse off than if you'd cancelled.

Helpful

Please ignore @DaisyDays123, OP. Obviously some kind of wind-up merchant!

I think it would be helpful for you to have someone from the voluntary sector, or a knowledgeable acquaintance, holding your hand through this stressful process.

Have you been in touch with any advice organisations or charities to date?

Mental health conditions CAN be disabling, if only temporary

Do you have any support? Citizens advice? If you have a support worker (mental health etc) they can come with you or be present at the tribunal. Or even a friend/family member.

It IS daunting and so many people give up.

Have you had your claim form looked over by an advisor ie Citizens advice or mental health team?

I have done a few pip forms and you need to carefully word a lot of your answers to try and gain the points. It is difficult.

Don't give up but try to enlist outside support and really think what you will say on the day.

Only had DLA claims in person but I wonder given the OPs situation, whether she'd be allowed to have someone talk on the phone on her behalf

What were the reasons for rejection? I initially had it turned down because I can walk over the required distance however it's not sustainable and repeatable (so I can go for a day out but then can't do anything for a week afterwards) so they took that into consideration and awarded me the points.

What’s the worst that can happen? They turn you down? You won’t be in any different situation if you drop the claim. So might as well carry on with it 🤷‍♀️ What is your anxiety about? Try and pinpoint what you are fearing? Maybe it’s fear of confrontation? Could be triggering something from your past.

OP could nominate someone to talk on her behalf but she would have to be there and speak to the dwp to give permission.

Anxiety is absolutely disabling.

Dont drop the claim OP, are there any charities or advice groups that can help you? I've heard that www.benefitsandwork.co.uk are really good.
Can you consider having an appointee ,someone to act in your behalf or have someone to support you in the meeting. I think most cases are won at appeal so odds are on your side. You've nothing to lose financially by appealing but I do understand how anxiety provoking it is, is your GP able to assist with perhaps medication and therapy? Good luck, I hope someone is along soon who has appealed for PIP and can offer advice.

Oh you poor thing. Is there a disability rights centre in your area that perhaps can advocate for you?

Please go through with this. I can tell you that the vast majority of PIP appeals side with the appellant and the judges actually really do want to grant it when they can.

another optionis to find an advocate - check out charities for your conditions etc

Oh god, you poor soul. Totally different thing but I had to go through criminal proceedings all of last year (I’m not the criminal! Just saying!). I still have every anxiety disorder under the sun and often cry even if I have to do a parent teacher meeting online (I cancelled!). When everything is falling apart and going so wrong, how can you possibly have faith in things going right? But my therapist (so cliche, I know, but bless her she’s a real rope thrower!) said to me one day recently, What if everything just goes right? Because it’s so likely that everything just does turn out fine.
I didn’t think much of it until I was having a bit of a panic attack, did my 4-7-8 breathing (again, so cliche but totally works… for me.), and kept really thinking, with real intention, What if… everything is actually going to be ok? What if it just all goes right? For me, personally, it’s been life changing. But I’ve had to work very hard to even allow myself to get into that way of thinking. I’m wondering if you’d be in a place where you can listen to some psychology podcasts regarding anxiety or even self refer (if you can in your area) or have your GP refer you to counselling (you may feel unable to do this). What emotional support do you have OP? You’re going through a hell of a lot and shouldn’t be left out there, blowing in the wind. 💐

You can ask for a reasonable adaptation under disability laws to facilitate your attendance. This could include you appearing by teams instead of in person to accommodate your agoraphobia

dont give up, most people win the tribunal.
Just keep to the facts, have it all prepared with what issues you face and how they affect you and always use your worse case scenarios for your illness. doesnt matter it sometimes you can do something, talk about the time you cant do it or SHOULDNT do it because it will affect you in some way.

I have PTSD, i can drive but i shouldnt drive just in case i have a PTSD attack. so i dont talk or even think about the fact i can technically drive, i talk about the reason why i cant and what would happen if i did drive and have a PTSD attack

A huge number of cases are overturned at appeal. The "reasons for rejection" are often the DWP trying it on and hoping that people give up.

The appeal tribunal is a different body entirely. It's not part of the DWP but part of the courts system. They are much more likely to give you a fair hearing (in my experience).

@DaisyDays123 Your comment has got to be the most ignorant comment I’ve read on this site today.

I agree with the suggestion to seek specialist advice if you haven't already done so. Do you have a law centre or similar near you? They may be able to provide representation for you at the tribunal.