PIP Tribunal - what to expect

Hi Sue O,
So...remember that your daughter (and presumably yourself,) will be on camera the whole time, so it is important to act naturally and to be consistent. Thus, if your daughter says eg she gets fatigued or lacks motivation to wash, the tribunal will be expecting to see a tired, unwashed person. Likewise wear drab clothes, no make up for daughter. I recommend that claimants do everything they would normally do the day before the hearing, so a walk, shopping etc. Go to bed at normal time. If you rest up then you won't look tired. Likewise if your daughter take extra medication 'just in case' or because 'it's a difficult day' your daughter may seem less in pain, or more able to concentrate etc. That said, please take all meds that you usually would take- just not the extra ones unless absolutely necessary.

Think also about other behaviour walking etc. If your daughter needs to get up and walk about, and she usually uses a stick, then she should use a stick. If you have said daughter can not use a pen, do not place a piece of paper in front of her with a pen. Even though she may not use it, it may look like she can.
If your claim form and 'behaviour' on camera at the hearing are different then the tribunal might wonder if you are exaggerating.

Take a brief moment to think about the questions. If you don't understand say so. You may not know, or have forgotten the answer. Say so. Don't try to give an answer - it is likely to be wrong and may confuse!

Try and re-read the papers before the hearing. Make note of things you need to say.

To daughter
Say it how it is, don't be ashamed or embarrassed about looking foolish because eg you can't wash yourself, or you have terrible incontinence.

If you need a break say so. It could be for the toilet, water, or just air!

Mum's role
I assume that you will be present. You are entitled to make notes, ( no recording it is illegal, but there is an official recording.) Try not to interrupt unless absolutely necessary. It is important that you set things right when you have your turn to speak. Often disabled people underestimate their struggles- say it how it really is- if your daughter glosses over her problems, perhaps using an example, explain the difficulty. This may be embarrassing. Add anything your daughter may have forgotten.

If you daughter seems to need a break eg she is becoming confused, or just fidgety them ask for a break, even if daughter says she ok to continue.

I hope this helps.
Good luck.
Let us know how you get on.

LL26

Hi Anees,
Thank you.
I am here at other times, but just been rather busy.
LL26