incapacity benefit appeals - advice needed

problem123

During August the medical centre who works for the department of work and pensions wrote to me to let him know that I had to attend a medical examination in their offices based in Euston. I informed them that I was unable to attend as I suffer from agoraphobia, body dysmorphic disorder, severe depression etc. The medical centre asked me to provide a doctors letter stating my conditions letter and also requesting that I has have a home visit. My doctor faxed the required information over to them.
They said that they never received the required information and informed the income support that I did not attend the appointment. My incapacity benefit was subsequently stopped in October 06.I received a letter stating this from income support and also a form GL24 an appeal form. I filled this in along with the medical evidence my doctor had previously sent to the medical centre. I had a reply on25th Feb asking me whether I want to request an appeal for an unattended hearing or oral hearing. I requested an oral hearing in the hope that I would find an advocate to help me. A date has now been set for the 10th may. I have been trying to find an advocate in my area to accompany me to he appeal but I have not been successful in this. It is unlikely that I will find one in time. Should I try to delay the appeal in the hope that I will find an advocate. Or should I perhaps send a friend to represent me or request a verbal hearing?

I really need advice as I don't want to do anything to jeopordise it

Garnet_Gem

Could you not attend with the help of a friend or relative? Take every bit of evidence you can with you -prescriptions, hospital appointment dates and doctors' names etc. I think if you go in person you would stand a fairer chance with tribunal.

Morglin

Appeals actually attended by the person have an approx 70% chance of success.

"Paper reviews" have an approx 30% chance of success.

I would take a friend with you and just go. Tribunals realise you are nervous, and make allowances for that.

They will just ask you questions as to how your disability affects you, how it prevents you from working (or claiming JSA and seeking work), and should have all your medical evidence in front of them (they receive all the papers beforehand, so that they can read them).

They will hear what you have to say, will listen the the DWP worker (if one goes), and then make a decision.

Take any additional evidence you have.

Lin