Tribunal

Hi Folks,
I was recently disallowed the middle care component of DLA so my GP wrote letters regarding my injuries occurred while cooking but this was to no avail.
I asked for the tribunal which is being held on thursday.
I was getting the DLA for Depression, panic attacks and anixety. I am really starting to panic my nerves are in tatters as i don't know what to expect.
I guess i want to know from members am i wasting my time amd can anybody help me by telling me what to expect.
Thanks for your help in advance and apologies if i have wasted your time.

Hi Mavisbrew

You will find good advice on how to prepare and handle and appeal hearing in the guides in the members' area ('Help for claimants' link in the orange part of the sidebar).

From my own personal experience, the appeal hearing wasn't anything like as nerve-racking as I was expecting. Although an appeal tribunal is a court of law, it is very informal and takes place in an office-like environment.

You are certainly not wasting your time, DLA hearings have a very high success rate for the appellant at oral hearings. The tribunal is independent of the DWP and will be interested to hear from you how your disability affects you, to determine what the correct decision should be.

Good luck on Thursday, and please let us know how you got on.

Derek

Thanks a million for the quick reply
Do you have any idea what i could be asked or how long it lasts??
Many Thanks

Click here . Then click on 'Appealing Against A Disability Living Allowance Decision'. Page 13 gives advice on attending the hearing.

Hearings are usually scheduled for about 40 minutes in the case of DLA, longer if the case is particularly complexed. Hearings can also overrun.

I should just add, you will probably be questioned about your disability in general, and how it affects you. You will also be questioned on the points put at issue on appeal, that is, anything you have claimed that the DWP disagree with.