PIP Tribunal Hearing 2023 !

After more than 12 months since my PIP was stopped and following the process through Mandatory Reconsideration to a Tribunal Appeal it is now 9 months ongoing for a hearing date!

We are in a desperate position with our finances like a majority of people and with this situation still unresolved it adds to our fraught position.

Can anyone help with the actual current timeline of Tribunal Hearings? Kind regards, Steve.

Hi, We were eventually informed there is no face to face hearings at the Magistrates Court in my area. It's extremely disappointing to only find this out recently after such a long time and it has greatly affected my mental wellbeing. Further to this they have offered a remote hearing, which is not the preferred option. Both options are not the easiest to consider coping with, but this is something that isn't able to be avoided.
My partner and I realise we can't wait any longer so have accepted their offer after such a long wait. How do we approach and prepare for this, it has us both feeling daunted and overwhelmed. How best can we convey our evidence for something of such importance. It does not feel professional for something that will decide our future.
I appreciate any helpful response. Kindest regards, Steve.

I just wanted to offer an update to everyone who takes time to read this and who may be struggling. We all have a story tell and my own journey covers a very long period and would be a lot to share. Trying to keep it simple Please, Please, Please do not give up. The system is unfair, broken and not fit for purpose and it needs to change. Some of you may not have direct support of a partner, but please seek sources with Help from Here for your own benefit appeal or application.

My PIP Review began in October 2020, My Benefit was stopped in May 2021 after telephone assessment, I appealed the shocking report through Mandatory Reconsideration, which was rejected so I appealed the MR decision and went for Tribunal. Due to Covid the initial Tribunal in July 2022 via telephone was suspended by the presiding Judge due to a request of my medical records. A new face to face hearing date was finally given for January 17th 2023 and I have been successful. I was not even required to present my case as the 1000 pages in hand helped reach a decision upon the totality of evidence and I qualified for an award for both daily living and mobility. The Presenting Officer on behalf of the DWP awarded additional points and conceded the award which I accepted. My benefit will be reinstated and backdated from the date I was entitled in May 2021 up to May 2026.

Outside the hearing the Presenting Officer for the DWP spoke to us and said unfortunately the Assessors merely follow guidance and stick to the boxes to fit claimants in them. To get to this point has been long, very stressful and it shows the process is flawed and actually detrimental to a claimants wellbeing. Surely more common sense would be better practice of time, expense and for the overall welfare of those affected rather than reaching a tribunal. I repeat though please, please, please do not give up your battle, something needs to change and perhaps we can all do this together a little at a time.

I wish everyone the best of luck in your own pursuit of something that can feel so cruel and unfair. Kindest regards, Steve