Gransnet forums

Legal, pensions and money

Page 1 of 1
Flip | Customise

Finally got Tribunal date!

(5 Posts)
Add comment | Report
HAZBEEN Thu 02-Aug-18 11:22:43

My Grandson who is Autistic was refused PIP last year which meant his mother lost carers allowance, disabled child credits etc and has had to sign on for unemployment benefit. That was last July. They got a date in March for their Tribunal which was cancelled at the last minute. She has now had a letter for a date next week (probably a cancellation).
My Grandson who is 17 has gone into meltdown with the stress. I really dont know how he is going to cope with the day itself.
He has a history of self harm and we are worried this will start it all again. My daughter suffers from depression and this is becoming so overwhelming for her as well. I unfortunately live 300 mile away and I am unable to get to support them in person.
Do the "Powers that be" have any idea what these processes do to people? This has all come to this because of blatant lies told by the assessor on her report and of course being a so called "Mental Health issue" it doesnt quite fit the parimeters of the DWPs PIP guidelines.
Not really looking for answers just needed to rant! Thanks for reading GNs!

Add comment | Report
glammanana Thu 02-Aug-18 11:58:32

Can your DD not have a Social Worker or Welfare Advise Officer with her to support her when she has the meeting with the Tribunal.

Add comment | Report
HAZBEEN Thu 02-Aug-18 13:31:48

Hopefully my Grandsons support worker is going with them. He usually see my Grandson at home and they seem to have built up a rapport. He is also very supportive of my daughter.

Add comment | Report
grannyactivist Thu 02-Aug-18 13:35:26

HAZBEEN, sadly I recognise the scenario you describe as being one that happens all too often. Hopefully the evidence to support the appeal (reports from G.P./mental health professionals etc.) has been submitted and all that remains is to turn up on the day. Your daughter may take a friend/supporter/advisor with her and although the Tribunal is held in a court room the proceedings are not very formal. There is a Chairperson, a doctor and a clerk and they will ask questions of your grandson, but my experience (as a support worker) has been that they are very 'human' and try hard to put people at ease. I do hope the outcome is a good one - they announce their findings after a short wait.

Add comment | Report
HAZBEEN Thu 02-Aug-18 13:47:58

Thank GA. Yes all supporting letters, reports etc are in, including witness letters from family and friends. The Gp wasnt very helpful but his mental health support has been good.
He is almost an agrophobic, only leaving the house when absoloutely necessary and then only if his mother is with him. He has panic attacks on public transport and when faced with strange people so this is going to be quite an ordeal.

Page 1 of 1
Flip | Customise