Pip claim journey to Appeal

Hi Sum,
Phew..and breathe!
I think the reality about late appeals is that the presumption is to allow the late appeal. As long as there is a fairly cogent reason. The alternative is that there is the possibility of a hearing to decide whether a late appeal can be allowed. However if you need to have a hearing about lateness then I would try and argue to have a hearing on whether you qualify for PIP at the same time. The Tribunal have an overriding objective of fairness, and this usually means giving a bit more leeway to the inexperienced claimant versus the power and knowledge of the DWP. Plus, since there is a right to access justice ( ie to be allowed to appeal, because otherwise that could also infringe your right to property, which legally includes a right to receive benefit when entitled,) this also has to be factored in if a late appeal is not allowed.
Anyway, hopefully you will succeed!
You should receive the appeal papers within 6 weeks or so. You can then go through this and then send in comments/arguments as appropriate.
Let us know how you get on.
I hope this helps.
LL26

Hi Sum

HMCTS will send you the bundle when they have it ready.

As an appointee, you will have the same rights to speak on the claimant's behalf as a representative.

BIS

Hi Sum

I'm glad you have a date.

The video hearing is more cost-effective for the tribunal service. It's not the same as being in the room with the panel, but I wouldn't focus too much on any disadvantage. Work with what you've been given. My only tips is to have a bullet point list of the issues that you want to mention that you can refer to. You will be asked at the end if there's anything you want to say that hasn't been mentioned earlier, and your list will help you quickly see whether everything has been covered.

BIS