I was wondering, if you pay a solicitor to prepare your case for ESA Tribunal, and you win.

[esagestapo]

Can you claim the cost of your solicitor back from the Tribunal Service or DWP?

[hamble99b]

I don't really know, but I don't think so. someone mentioned a "no win, no fee" cases but you have to pay varying %'s of your own money if you win.

I think that you hae to make your own decisions on that.

a lot of people have used he benefit & work guides.

[esagestapo]

Thank's Sandra, I am clutching at straws at the moment, I will find a way sooner or later if one exists. I have a pretty good idea what to do anyway, but it would look a lot better if a professional done it for me. Have you a link for the benefit & work guides?

[hamble99b]

emaiil [e-mail]

and ask emma for the benefit & work guides.

let me know when you've got them.

sandra

[esagestapo]

Yep, will do, thanks again.

[Deefer]

Sorry I can't answer your question, but oh how I wish I could afford a solicitor. I have waited 12 months and finally got my tribunal date so have been reading my papers though again. When I put my appeal in I sent pages of discrepancies and downright lies that were told by the assessor and they are basically calling me a liar! Even down to telling me I sat in a chair without arms when I know full well I sat in the one with arms as I need help to get up from a chair. The worst thing is that on the last page of the papers the DWP have actually asked the tribunal to find me fit for work - I just couldn't believe it! I was under the impression that the tribunal was independent. I have my MP on the case and he is writing a supporting letter.

[esagestapo in reply to Deefer]

Hi Deefer, I know exactly what you mean, the whole system is corrupt, ATOS use unqualified staff who are paid to lie. The DWP once wrote a letter to my GP telling her not to give me any more sick notes, that's how desperate they are to beat us. My GP, shaking her head in disbelief, dropped it straight in the bin after showing it to me, then promptly wrote out another sick note.

So I wouldn't worry about what the DWP asks a Tribunal to do, any ruling must be made in accordance with the law, not what some nut job from the DWP wants.

I have done some searching on google since and found out, legal costs are not refunded if you win at Tribunal, no doubt to make absolutely sure we do not get any silly ideas like hiring legal representation to undergo what is a legal process, which they know we would win if we hired a solicitor.

[sadoldred]

I have a link to some organisation who charge a one off fee for representing you at tribunals and doing all the paper work for them, if its ok and I have permission to post it I will.