Went for the DLA Tribunal today. Was all psyched up for it, after a year of the DWP arsing about and changing their decisions every 2 minutes - one minute not entitled to any, next minute entitled to some, but only for about three weeks until it'll be looked at again blah blah.
The document bundle is about 400 pages all in all. The DWP hadn't even decided what their main issue for forcing the appeal was and their submission was really contradictory AND they hadn't sent anyone from the office where the decision had been made.
But... the TRIBUNALS SERVICE had asked someone to come because it was such a complex case which didn't seem very impartial to me - it's like saying 'contest it!'
The guy seemed OK and wasn't stroppy, but he clearly thought I was a very stupid little girl who was just being a bit silly and kept telling me it was all about very complicated law! The Tribunal people seemed OK though. Just wanted it OVER!
And they decided to adjourn to get yet another report from the CAMHS psych. Never mind the fact that I signed a form months ago to say they could seek further medical evidence without further consent. Never mind that she's already written them 2 letters in support of the appeal AND I told them weeks ago in writing that she could come to the Tribunal if they wanted her to, but they'd need to let me/ her know...they want to write to her and get her to write back.
I suggested that they phone her, but apparently it has to be in writing.
And it's all very complex complex complex - yes, well my life is very complex complex complex and I really really don't have the spare worrying time, iykwim, and I CERTAINLY don't have the time to take yet more time off work!
Obviously I will, but why can nothing ever ever be simple? Why do I, and so many of us, have to fight for every single thing? Got the Statement, got the Blue Badge, got the SS support, got the OT and the SALT, but NEVER first time! Have to write stupid letters and wait for everything to grind its way slowly through the wheels of beurocracy.
rant over