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.

My assessment was done over the phone.

But my tribunal was done in person and I got points for mobility then, as obviously they could see me walk.

I would advise you to get someone to support you. I supported DH at his tribunal and they were able to talk to me as well because I was listed as an advocate. He attended in person, but had to stop part in way due to distress. The fact that he became distressed during the tribunal and needed support helped them decide that he did need support and they supported his claim for PIP which had previously been refused. I know it is hard, but it is worthwhile to go through with it because that money can be used to support you in accessing services and further support.

My assessment was over the phone,my husband did all the talking except when I had to confirm he could speak on my behalf.

Makes it all the more amazing that she has decided I no longer have mobility problems without a f2f or physical assessment and that I was polite my speech normal rate and rhythm when I said two words.

It said at the bottom of the pages of utter untrue crap. Lillian May Anderson, nurse. In my career Before I was retired I was a nurse, I am horrified that a nurse would write such lies.

@Choconuttolata thankyou I don't think I could attend a tribunal either mentally or physically. If it goes that far I'll see if I can send DH or an advocate x

Someone can still advocate for you over the phone if you are unable to attend in person. The fact that you need support to communicate for a telephone/video tribunal will support your claim for PIP.

I agree with this, they are generally sympathetic and understanding, and take the time to read the paperwork and concentrate on the key points.

I had a tribunal with a client this afternoon, done over the phone, as most of them seem to be these days (I'm in the SE, it may be different in other regions). A lot of the questions they asked were framed in such a way that they almost seemed to be asking just for confirmation of what we'd put in the grounds of appeal, and it was really easy for the client.

When I spoke to the client afterwards, he was really relieved and said it was much less stressful than he'd expected, and we both felt that the outcome was likely to be a positive one.

@LakieLady that's a great outcome and good of you to support him. A telephone call as a tribunal sounds alot less scary than an actual tribunal which I'm imagining in my head is like a court case x

Hi OP,

I think it's a good idea to have your Mum speak as much as possible. Ask her if she can let people know that your mental health has taken a nose dive and that you were already barely coping if necessary.

I'm so sorry you have to go through this!

Have you had a look at the 'Benefitsandwork' website?

I’ve got my tribunal on Tuesday via phone. Absolutely shitting bricks. I’m such a complete dick and I’m petrified of the doctors, I’m also agoraphobic so I don’t go out so my evidence is minimal. I hope they at least take some of what I say. I’ve lived like this for years and it’s been hell on earth

I've worked as a tribunal clerk, the panel will do everything they can to keep you at your ease and like others have said the vast majority of appeals are successful.

Also the hearings are much less formal than courts.

This is where I am at and about to appeal the decision to award standard rather than enhanced, except a day out is literally a doctor's appointment at the moment or a lift somewhere to sit and then lift home again. Exhausting. I have asked doctor for a supporting letter but wonder if I should seek further advice on m appeal wording too.

I really feel for you OP. I went through all this way back when they first introduced PIP, and it was an absolute nightmare, so I totally understand how you are feeling. I even asked my GP for assistance, and received a phone call back saying that she had already written one letter and wasn't allowed to do anything further! I told her I was suicidal, and all she said was 'I'm sorry, but I can't help'! Thankfully my DH was wonderful, and incredibly supportive, as were Citizen's Advice, and my local MP at the time. One thing which CAB suggested I do, was write a daily, almost minute by minute diary of my days for a couple of weeks. They also encouraged my DH to keep one, which not only would verify what my life was like, but also showed how much he had to do for me each day. We prepared all this, and arrived at the Court early in order to hand in our further evidence. However, upon arrival the usher, when given my name said 'Oh, we've been trying to reach you, but presumably you left home before 9am', which I confirmed. I asked why they wanted me, and he told me that having read through my file, the judges had already found in my favour, and they were trying to call me to tell me not to bother going in! If only my case had been judged properly in the first place, I would never have been in a position where I felt suicidal, and made my DH scared every time I was in the bathroom for any length of time in case I took an overdose, or slashed my wrists. So please, please, don't give up, you may well find that it's no where near as bad as you're imagining, and if you can get someone else to advocate on your behalf, I'm sure the tribunal will go your way. As others have said, these things are designed to put all but the most desperate of people off claiming, which is an absolute travesty, but unfortunately in order to get what we're entitled to, we have to go through their ridiculous games. I absolutely hate the way that these things are dragged out too, just another sign of the wasted money and inefficiency of government bodies these days. I know that doesn't help you through the waiting, but maybe it might be worth your while trying some relaxation videos online, to try and help you relax a bit, as I feel really confident that having come this far, they will find in your favour. Wishing you all the luck in the world.

Fucking hell 🙄

@Stressedafff 🤞🙏 for Tues, see the process through, the worst that can happen is they say no, but I hope they will award you something OP. I am so sorry DWP have put in in the position of having to go through this. Have you got someone that will support you on the day? Good luck keeping everything crossed for you.

I know. 😱

And who on earth is voting YABU for this? Unbelievable. It's really stressful.

'30p' Lee Anderson MP? Therese Coffey's SpAds? They probably think it's character building.

@Stressedafff keep messaging here we are all rooting for you and understand it. The build up to Tuesday will be difficult and I doubt you'll get much sleep. Please be kind to yourself and just try and get through till Tuesday. Thinking of you and wishing you support xxx

@Stressedafff hope you are coping with the weekend and looking forward to getting Tuesday over with

It's my job, so not an act of charity!

Telephone tribunals are a lot easier for clients imo, but even F2F ones are nowhere near as formal as court. You have the panel on one side of a big table, the client and rep on the other, no gowns or cross-examination or anything, and the panel members are almost invariably pleasant and understand if the client gets upset.

Years ago after a nervous breakdown I applied for PIP. It was rejected and MR rejected. I wrote a letter to the tribunal to say Id rather lose the money than have the trauma of attending etc and put forward medical evidence to that effect. I won the case. Please seek help from charities that could help you x

I’m absolutely shitting myself still tbh. I know I’m gonna have a massive panic attack on the phone which is stressing me out even more! I hope by the time I next update on this bastard tribunal I’ll be bringing good news

@Stressedafff poor you I bet your anxiety is through the roof. If you do have a panic attack they will give you time I imagine for it to pass and for you to recover. It will show those fuckers how barbaric it is to put someone with severe anxiety through the hell of a tribunal. Yes hopefully you'll get good news,how long do you have to wait for the result.

Thinking of you,solidarity and strength from a distance x