Can you change a Representative once a PIP Appeal has been submitted

Hi jan,

You can represent your husband, and certainly don't need to have a solicitor or benefits advisor. The tribunal system is designed for easy access, without the need for lawyers.
However if you wish to get professional help you might be able to find someone from a local advice centre - try looking here-
www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j...E7BgEPArJdb0IUlc2MGZ

If you do find someone, make sure you are clear what support is being offered and whether or not the advisor will be able to attend the hearing with you.
Basically all you need to do ( or your new representative should probably now do for you!) - is to write to the Tribunal service and say you will be represented by Mr X giving the address and contact details. Most advice centres have what's called a Form of Authority, which is basically a consent form. The advisor will ask your husband (if he has capacity) to sign this and then send a copy to the tribunal and another to DWP. Copies of all correspondence shoukd then be sent to both your husband and the representative. However, do check with each other that each of you have got the same documents as sometimes this doesn't happen.
After the consent forms sent , DWP/tribunal your representative can phone each organisation to discuss the case as required.

If you get a representative, you will still be able to attend the tribunal, and give evidence. Otherwise if you wish to remain as representative yourself, make sure your husband confirms this with DWP/tribunal, and then you too can liaise with them directly.
If your husband lacks capacity, or you are his appointee/have power of attorney then make this known, as you should already have the ability to speak or liaise on behalf of your husband. A representative , ie yourself or a professional one, can do anything that the claimant can do. This includes giving evidence.

I hope this helps.
LL26