Today I had the opportunity to observe a Tribunal for a claimant who had been turned down for PIP. He was a young man supported by his mum and a charity for his disability, but the panel addressed almost of their questions to him.
I just want to encourage anyone facing the prospect of a Tribunal to contest a DWP decision, that the panel treated the claimant with the utmost respect and care.
The panel consists of a judge, a doctor and someone with exerience of disability ( that can be someone who works with people who are disabled or has detailed knowledge of disabilities).
Their questions were clear, non-threatening, and gave the claimant the opportunity to respond fully, to ask for clarification, or to get his mum to explain. He was invited to take a break if he needed to, was offered water and tissues. The panel could not have been kinder or fairer. The whole situation felt very non-threatening.
The hearing lasted about 45 minutes. Then everyone was asked to leave whilst the panel considered their decision. After about ten minutes we all went back in and the claimant was told that his appeal was allowed. A few details of the award were given, and it will all be written up in a letter to follow.
I hope this encourages anyone who is hesitant about challenging a DWP decision. Of course the first stage is to ask for a Mandatory Reconsideration, which may not change anything, but is a necessary step.
Don't worry if you can't get legal representation - you don't need it.
Of course it begs the question of why there are so many bad decisions in the first place, as so many refusals are overturned by Tribunals.
Scottish political mess. Is Devolution working?