Tribunal IB - Visit to Solicitors

Hi
I am taking my friend to a solicitors tomorrow because he qualifies for legal aid. The solicitor is able to write a statement letter for him to take to tribunal. I just need to ask 2 things:
1) What sort of information should be in the statement.
2) Do we have to send a copy of this to the Tribunal Service

Thanks

Hi Cooky44

1) The information required depend entirely on your friends individual circumstances. Does the solicitor specialize in welfare benefits?

If so he/she should be able to decide what information is needed, but it's important your friend shows the solicitor the full documentation, such as letters from the DWP, medical reports and any letters from his GP.

2) Yes, but I would have expected the solicitor to take care of that. Is the solicitor representing your friend and handling the case, or just writing a letter?

Derek

This has now been going on for 3 months, the doctor at first stated that it was disgusting that my friends IB had been stopped and that she would do all in her power to help, now they want £40 for a letter - My friend is on £39.00 a week to live on and already owes approx £1400.00 - I do not begrudge lending my friend more but this system is totally against the person appealing - my friend does not have enough money to live on let alone paying this - does anyone have any suggestions as to what grounds we could get the letter at a reduced rate, I am expecting the same info off the psycatrist

Hi,

In addition to what Derek as posted, I would not be inclined to use a solicitor.

From my experience most solicitors although they will accept benefits cases, many of them don't have a clue about benefits.

I'd recommend using Community Legal Services who can put you in touch with an advisor in your area with knowledge and expertise of the benefits system.

Good Luck.

Jim

Can i just point out the information Jim gave isfor community legal services is for England and Wales so would not apply for either Scotland or Northern Ireland.
Jenny

We used community legal advice, we found them very helpful and efficent.
The legal advisor left no stone unturned he pulled the ATOS medical report apart it was full of mistakes.