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PIP Tribunal

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7 years 1 month ago #181255 by Mrs Jones
PIP Tribunal was created by Mrs Jones
:S
Last Thursday I attended my second 1st Tier Tribunal in 4 years. The last one, in 2013, was for DLA and the latest one was for PIP. BOTH times the Panel didn't even need to question me or my witnesses as (thanks to this site), I'd got a good idea about what to say. I won both of the Tribunals! Nevertheless, it's daunting and whilst last time I prepared for the appeal myself, this time I needed help and was lucky to get some advice from a welfare rights officer.

The council that employs him recently employed another advisor because he was completely overwhelmed. Since PIP was introduced they are now both overwhelmed and have had to turn away new customers. So sad for people who desperately need help to make sure they are able to challenge wrong decisions by the DWP. As it happens I am a retired social worker who used to be married to a welfare rights officer. I have filled in dozens of these forms for service users, but it's MUCH harder to fill on in when it's about yourself!

I have been getting DLA at the higher rate mobility for around 16 years. I also had the middle rate care and about 6 years ago it was increased to the higher rate. When I was transferred to PIP, I was given the Enhanced Rate for mobility which enabled me to renew my Motorbility car. Research was done and the car ordered, however, the DWP took SO long to look again at my application, I eventually lost not only the old Motorbility car, but was unable to have my new one. We live in a very remote part of Scotland where the nearest village is 2 miles about and the nearest (very small) town 12 miles away. There is no public transport apart from a mini-bus once a week. We scraped the money together to buy an old banger so we had at least something to get about in.

I am ashamed of the DWP and the Government for wasting money on Tribunals particularly when someone like me, has been receiving the highest award for both components for years AND had already been to a Tribunal, which I won, previously. I wondered just how much that Tribunal cost...... considering how much a lawyer and a doctor get, not to mention the disability specialis and all the admin and paper work..... it MUST be thousands of pounds!

Benefits and Work has been such an amazing source of advice, help and encouragement and I that the organisation for that.

Good luck to anyone else who is going through this. It is worth it in the end.
The following user(s) said Thank You: pauldcox3

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7 years 1 month ago #181320 by Gordon
Replied by Gordon on topic PIP Tribunal
Mrs Jones

Well done on the Tribunal Decision, congratulations.

Gordon

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems

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