ESA tribunal experience

Hi, I would really appreciate some examples of what the tribunals are like, what sort of questions they ask. I have been reading a lot of the fantastic help pamphlets on the website but I would really like some 'real' info.

If I am overstepping the mark please excuse my request, I totally respect that this sort of information is private.

I am just far too scared to go to a tribunal to watch. Infact, the idea of people sitting in on mine terrifies me. Not because I've got anything to hide but I'm not confident speaking with more than one or two people at once.

Thankyou in anticipation,

Best wishes,
Rachel

I was actually unable to attend in person because of my health but was able to write down how my health affects me and particularly because the workplace is a very hostile and threatening place for me due to my experiences. The idea of being judged terrifies (me also because of my experiences of biased false allegations with outcome decided by the individual making the complaints) I also supplied all the medical evidence I was able to and won even though I couldn't attend and sadly couldn't feel I could trust anyone to do it for me.
Even if you are able to attend it may still be helpful to write it all down in a letter and send that in advance just in case you find it difficult face to face. I am not in a position to supply proper advice so I am only speaking from my experience.

Hi Victim of ESA, thankyou for your reply and advice, it is much appreciated.

I do intend to the best of my ability to attend my tribunal. Being the complex person I am, I will probably go on my own, (I can't really explain why, sorry).

I have started making notes but don't know what the pannel will ask. I have been told that a major disadvantage is that it takes too long to 'tease' the info out of me.

Thankyou once again.

Best wishes,
Rachel

Hi I can relate to the going alone and although doing that is often seen as not needing as much help it certainly isn't always a correct assumption.
I have the problem of not being able to express myself in a face to face situation for various reasons which is why even if I go to the next one, and I am going to try my best to do so, I will still write a summary letter rather than just send the evidence. I find it far easier to write things down. Again this is only a personal view from someone in a similar position to yourself as I am not qualified to advise.

Hi Victim of ESA, I know you may not be able to advise but your replies and comments are priceless, I so greatly appreciate them.

I find it easier to chat on here because I remain 'faceless' (sorry, can't think of a better description). Also, people are a lot less judgemental and supportive.

I will try also to write a summary as I know I will go to pieces and forget what to say!

Thankyou, take care,
Rachel

Hi Fedup,
I had to go to an ESA tribunal last year (which I won, thank the Lord). There were only 4 people in the (rather large) room, a medical doctor and a solicitor on the panel, and myself and a lady from Rethink who accompanied me.

My understanding is that they are private, ie. not open to anyone else (the general public) to attend, so you wouldn't be able to 'just watch one' anyway.

The questions they asked were based on those from the ESA50 form, plus a few others which were specific to my case.

They referred to paperwork relating to my appeal, so it is helpful to index that too. And if there is anything you want to say, make notes beforehand.

Hope this helps - I know there is a lot of literature available on tribunals, but I personally find it can be hard to wade through it all on your own, and sometimes you just need a summary!