ESA Tribunal

Julieshoes wrote:

Hi

I have my ESA tribunal appeal tomorrow. Awarded 6 points and needing 15+. My question is does anybody know how they act towards people suffering from depression and anxiety, as they cannot see it. I am absolutely terrifed, I do have medical evidence from my doctor that the DWP conveniently lost when re-assessing my claim. Due to my depression I have not had any help for external people as I could not face talking about it or being around crowds of people. I am having to go this alone tomorrow and would just like some advice if possible.

Many Thanks

The vast majority of Tribunals are decided on the day by the claimant explaining how their condition effect them, as the result of questioning by the panel. Whilst the panel may not have a detailed knowledge of a particular mental Health condition, they will have considerable experience of getting the claimant to explain it to them, and of relating the claimants comments back to the ESA descriptors.

Whilst, I don't want to add to your, very natural worries about how the Tribunal will go, please give some thought to the issue of explaining how you will get to the Tribunal venue, and the fact that you are doing this on your own. It may be that your mental health issues are not related to going out alone and socialising with people that you do not know, but if they are, then you need to be aware that the panel will make assumptions about the severity of your condition, as a result of you going on your own, which you will need to tackle on the day. If it is not too late, try and find someone to go with you, if only for the moral support.

Best of luck

Gordon