PIP Directions Notice

Hi All,

I’m a newbie that’s been through a PIP appeal before (6yrs ago and won- back pay of £7k and 2yr award).

But stumped as I’ve received a directions notice from the judge: Simply stating that they’d read through the 355pages+ (DWP Has included all history from 2012, incl. current ESA claim) and addendums, due to the complex nature of the case (historical & current mental health problems), they will need to go ahead with an oral hearing. Although I’ve stated I would’ve preferred not to have one, due to my MH needs. The judge has decided due to the complexities of the case, they’ve allotted 2hrs for the hearing. There are no instructions for me or DWP - we have filed evidence and responses.

In my last appeal I never received a directions notice and my hearing didn’t have extra time allotted- standard 30min’s hearing.

I’ve already sent in a statement lining out how my disability affects me VS the report. I’ve noticed an error when the DWP refers to their Section 8 law; they’ve inputted the incorrect decision date and also not included MR decision date- where I added evidence of additional illnesses, autism & ADHD.

Has anyone had similar directions notices and additional time added to the hearing? I’m not sure I can tolerate sitting there for 2hrs being grilled.

Any help for the next stages- info on section 8(b) particularly would be helpful (does this solely relate to the 1st decision or also inclusive of Mr decision).

TIA Red.