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Terrified about upcoming ESA and PIP tribunals.
- John
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10 years 3 days ago #133459 by John
Terrified about upcoming ESA and PIP tribunals. was created by John
Hi folks,
I have an ESA tribunal coming up in May and a PIP one in April and I am absolutely terrified. This whole process has been so bad, I've had thoughts that not being here would be easier. I suffer from severe depression and anxiety (for around 13 years now) and also have some physical problems with my legs and feet (after surgery to abdomen). I know a lot of people suffer from this and without going into excruciating details, it's caused me to gain 12 stone in weight which makes all my issues worse.
I guess I am just posting as I am really scared about these tribunals. Does anyone have advice or tips on how to handle these? I feel like I am going to court for some crime. It just seemed that what I said at the assessments was disregarded and that they just put down whatever. When I got declined for both benefits it made me question whether or not I am actually ill despite my diagnosis, it brought me to tears trying to work it out all out in my mind why they declined me. I am finding it hard to put my feelings into words that do them justice.
I know plenty of people have been in this situation and plenty more will be but is it as harrowing as my mind is telling me?
Many thanks for advice or even just reading my mini-rant thing.
I have an ESA tribunal coming up in May and a PIP one in April and I am absolutely terrified. This whole process has been so bad, I've had thoughts that not being here would be easier. I suffer from severe depression and anxiety (for around 13 years now) and also have some physical problems with my legs and feet (after surgery to abdomen). I know a lot of people suffer from this and without going into excruciating details, it's caused me to gain 12 stone in weight which makes all my issues worse.
I guess I am just posting as I am really scared about these tribunals. Does anyone have advice or tips on how to handle these? I feel like I am going to court for some crime. It just seemed that what I said at the assessments was disregarded and that they just put down whatever. When I got declined for both benefits it made me question whether or not I am actually ill despite my diagnosis, it brought me to tears trying to work it out all out in my mind why they declined me. I am finding it hard to put my feelings into words that do them justice.
I know plenty of people have been in this situation and plenty more will be but is it as harrowing as my mind is telling me?
Many thanks for advice or even just reading my mini-rant thing.
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- Gordon
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10 years 3 days ago #133477 by Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by Gordon on topic Terrified about upcoming ESA and PIP tribunals.
John
A Tribunal is a complete re-hearing of your case by an independent panel of two members for ESA and three for PIP. They will look at all of the information from scratch and make a new Decision based on it.
They will ask you questions about your problems and what you have submitted as evidence, they won't be confrontational but their questioning will be firm.
I won't say that all Tribunals go well, some do not, but they are in the minority and it will be stressful on the day, but a high proportion of claimants are successful on the day.
Have a look at the following for more information about preparing for the day.
Disability Rights UK Factsheet - Appeals and reconsiderations
Preparing for a Tribunal
Good practice for those appealing
Gordon
A Tribunal is a complete re-hearing of your case by an independent panel of two members for ESA and three for PIP. They will look at all of the information from scratch and make a new Decision based on it.
They will ask you questions about your problems and what you have submitted as evidence, they won't be confrontational but their questioning will be firm.
I won't say that all Tribunals go well, some do not, but they are in the minority and it will be stressful on the day, but a high proportion of claimants are successful on the day.
Have a look at the following for more information about preparing for the day.
Disability Rights UK Factsheet - Appeals and reconsiderations
Preparing for a Tribunal
Good practice for those appealing
Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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- bro58
10 years 3 days ago #133479 by bro58
Replied by bro58 on topic Terrified about upcoming ESA and PIP tribunals.
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- bassettsfarm
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10 years 2 days ago #133617 by bassettsfarm
Replied by bassettsfarm on topic Terrified about upcoming ESA and PIP tribunals.
Hello John,
I have been, and am currently, in the same situation you find yourself in. I had a Tribunal hearing for ESA last year, and I got myself in such a state about it. As you say, it felt as if I had committed a crime, and would be tried like a criminal. Fortunately, I received a telephone call just a couple of hours before the hearing was due to start, and a very lovely man, who was the judge, told me I need not attend as they had found in my favour. Everything about the way he spoke to me was so much better than anyone I had ever dealt with at DWP. He was kind, polite, reassuring and when I said what a weight it was off of my shoulders he said "I bet. Now you just go and enjoy Christmas and you don't have to worry about this any more". So, they really do seem to be nice people, who realise we are human beings and not con artists on the make!
Sadly, I now find myself in the same position regarding PIP, and so it starts all over again. It's mentally gruelling, and I think it would be for the strongest of people, let alone people suffering from depression and anxiety. Fortunately, I have a lovely and very supportive family, but without them, I know I would have just given up a while ago. This whole system is so unfair and made so difficult.
I really hope everything goes well for both of your hearings. Please keep posting here so that we can all know how you're getting along.
Chin up.
Amanda
I have been, and am currently, in the same situation you find yourself in. I had a Tribunal hearing for ESA last year, and I got myself in such a state about it. As you say, it felt as if I had committed a crime, and would be tried like a criminal. Fortunately, I received a telephone call just a couple of hours before the hearing was due to start, and a very lovely man, who was the judge, told me I need not attend as they had found in my favour. Everything about the way he spoke to me was so much better than anyone I had ever dealt with at DWP. He was kind, polite, reassuring and when I said what a weight it was off of my shoulders he said "I bet. Now you just go and enjoy Christmas and you don't have to worry about this any more". So, they really do seem to be nice people, who realise we are human beings and not con artists on the make!
Sadly, I now find myself in the same position regarding PIP, and so it starts all over again. It's mentally gruelling, and I think it would be for the strongest of people, let alone people suffering from depression and anxiety. Fortunately, I have a lovely and very supportive family, but without them, I know I would have just given up a while ago. This whole system is so unfair and made so difficult.
I really hope everything goes well for both of your hearings. Please keep posting here so that we can all know how you're getting along.
Chin up.
Amanda
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