pip appeal

Hi Steph,
Unless there is a really compelling reason I normally get clients to attend. The alternative is a paper hearing where the tribunal don't get to see and or hear you, this can provide a big impact and can often shift the balance in your favour. That is not to say that you can't win simply in a paper hearing but in my opinion the odds are more stacked against you.
These days you can select a video or phone hearing which you can conduct from home. Whilst being at home might make you more comfortable and hence disabilities might come across as less, the flipside is that that might make giving evidence more easy, especially if getting to a tribunal venue is troublesome for either physical and or mental health reasons.
Have a think about whether you could manage video or phone even if you can not attend in oerfin, I think this might give you a greater chance of success. Whatever you decide, if you do go for an oral hearing of any description, you can have a friend or relative sit with you and give evidence on your behalf. If you could banage this, then write immediately to the tribunal and say you want an oral hearing and give your preference of what type. Hopefully the amended choice will get noted and you will then be able to attend.(You could phone to check later that the choice has been changed.)
Please note that if the tribunal feel it good be beneficial to hearcfrom you at a hearing they could adjourn a paper hearing to ask you to attend or conduct hearing by phone/video.
If you genuinely can nit attend a hearing it may be helpful to have a letter from your GP to explain this. This would clearly indicate some serious limitations in your ability to do tasks, especially mobility.
Whatever you decide. Good luck.
LL26