I have to have a tribunral for esa is it woth getting a representitive or just go and represent myself

[she33]

[sadoldred]

My advice is yes have a rep there but someone who is going to speak up for you, not someone who will just sit there and let then get away with saying what they like to you, as I did! And a family member or friend. The ESA one wasnt as bad for me as the DLA one x

[she33]

Thanks for the advice my mum is going with me will she be able to speak on my behalf?

[klee]

Take notes and ask them that you want your assessment recorded.

[Sarah-Jane]

Definitely take someone who knows how you are on your worst days, and I am sorry to say, it is better for them to hear about your worst and almost worst days without the okay days. Yes you can tell them that sometimes the pain in areas eases enough for you to be able to do something you usually cannot do, but be careful. Makensure they know how much this will hurt you later and what you cannot do when that happens. Do not let them bully you into doing something that hurts you. If it hurts, say so and stop. For instance, if you show you can manage to touch your toes that day, but you know you will pay for it, say so. Or if you usually cannot, don't manage it. Tell them that you might be able to, but the pay back will be three days of extreme pain - if that is what you would expect.

I am not suggesting you lie really, just be careful as they will grasp at straws, anything to not pay you. Make sure your Mum is aware they can ask questions that she needs to be careful of.

She needs to emphasise the truth, how you struggle and how things really are for you. The help you need too. It is not time to spare someones feelings. They are not in your company and do not know what help you need so tell them.

How do you bathe, dress, clean, shop, everything. Who cuts your toe nails? How do you wash your back? Who does the washing and ironing - if any of these cause you pain, tell them! Tell them how long things take you or things you have given up doing. I no longer iron, and sometimes cannot stay in the kitchen more than 10 mins at a time so I have a stool to hand and push through the pain. Picking up after my dog in the garden has to be left and then I have a long handled poop scoop - but then I also have problems reaching the end of my 100ft garden. After 18 months, I was delighted to do it but have rarely done it since - so I do not mention that one time.

Do you see what I am getting at? You are not a scrounger to my knowledge. I know I am not. But if you need their help you must spell it out.

Good luck! If you fail this time, appeal! Citizens Advice is a good route for an advocate too. You can get books about those which also may help you.

Soft hugs

[she33]

thank u so much sarah-jane i do see what ur getting at and will be well prepared i have started writing things down like a daily dairy , depression is a big thing for me and ive started having panic attacks about everthing and thinking of this tribrunal doesnt help.

[cowsrock]

thefedonline.org.uk/disabil...

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