PIP Tribunal Representative

MrsJ1995

Hi,

I have my PIP Tribunal Hearing on Monday. I appointed my husband as my representative when I submitted my appeal. I understand that a representative is often a professional, but can also be a family member, as in my case. I am autistic and struggle with verbal communication, so may need my husband to speak on my behalf during the hearing. Is this allowed? What will he be expected to do/not do as my representative?

I am aware that family members can contribute when asked at the end of the hearing, but will he also be able to speak for me at points throughout? I have read that family members may only be called into the hearing half-way through, is this the case for representatives or can he be present throughout?

I know I will be expected to speak for myself for at least some of the hearing, and am prepared to do so. I am just trying to clarify what to expect as much as possible.

Thanks in advance for any help.

olgadapolga

I went with my daughter to her PIP tribunal. My daughter struggles in these situations and the panel asked me if I could help my daughter with her responses as and when she got stuck.

Maybe you just need to ask the panel when the tribunal starts? Or ask the recorder (or whatever the proper title is) as we saw her a couple of times whilst waiting for my daughter's tribunal to begin.

Good luck anyway, it won't be as bad as you think, the panel for my daughter were lovely, friendly and understanding.

NedS

I have acted as the representative for my partner at a tribunal. The judge/magistrate leading the tribunal is normally pretty good and should explain how they want things to work at the start of the tribunal. They are often keen to hear directly from the appellant where they are able, but are happy for the representative to help the appellant articulate where required. I was also offered the opportunity to speak at the end of the hearing to cover or clarify anything I felt had not been covered. Your husband should be with you throughout as your representative.

At the beginning I would take the opportunity to explain that you are keen to speak for yourself, but that you may at times find it difficult and that is why you have requested your husband to be present as your representative.

My advice is to be guided by the judge and panel - they are very experienced at conducting tribunals and they will want to ensure you have every opportunity to give them the information they need to make their decision. Let them lead the discussions as they will want to establish the facts for themselves and not be swayed by anything DWP may have written or provided. They are pretty good at asking simple questions and they are not trying to catch you out or trip you up, so just engage honestly with them as best you are able.

Good luck, and please let us know how it goes.

MrsJ1995

Thank you both, that's really helpful to know and be reassured by. I feel better prepared knowing what to expect now.

MrsJ1995

Thanks again for your help! I was supposed to have my hearing on Monday afternoon, but the Tribunal Service actually rang me at midday and said you don't need to attend because we have enough information from your appeal papers, to award you what you were arguing for. It was a big relief

olgadapolga

MrsJ1995 said:

Thanks again for your help! I was supposed to have my hearing on Monday afternoon, but the Tribunal Service actually rang me at midday and said you don't need to attend because we have enough information from your appeal papers, to award you what you were arguing for. It was a big relief

Congratulations! 

born_again

MrsJ1995 said:

Thanks again for your help! I was supposed to have my hearing on Monday afternoon, but the Tribunal Service actually rang me at midday and said you don't need to attend because we have enough information from your appeal papers, to award you what you were arguing for. It was a big relief

Nice result.