should I stay or should I go now?

[Amanda]

I have a dilema,should I go to my DLA tribunal or not? From what I've read if you go they could say I'm able to get around etc but if I don't go they will decide really quick without reading my evidence.what to do???

[ladymoth]

Oh dear - that's a difficult one!

Do you use a wheelchair or mobilty scooter - crutches even? I don't think that managing to get around is crucial - it's how well and easily you can do it.

I'm sure other members will be able to give you a more accurate answer than I can!

Best of luck, anyway

Moffy x

[Hidden]

I looked it up on the Internet its a very popular question .... Apparantly they general consensus seems to be turn up with your advocate and medical reports etc....

But on here we have heard of people having it count against them as they could get out so could work ..... Having never been in this situation I really don't know what is the best thing to do.

Here's hoping someone will come along who has been there already

VG x

[Amanda]

I'm posting all of my further evidence including medical evidence so they should have read it all by the tribunal..I use crutches and a mobility scooter both of which I have documented and my Gp has documented it in her letter that's going with the rest of the evidence.Should I send copies or actual letters? I'm not sure if I'm going to cope with the journey and sitting through the tribunal and the journey home which is why I was debating phoning tpo say I'd changed my mind and wouldn't be coming.

[jom277]

I went to mine last year and was successful. I went with 2 other people who supported me. There were half a dozen steps into the room and it was noted that it took me at least twice as long as others to get down the steps. I am glad I did go to mine as I gave as good as I got with the doctor and still won. I guess as well that as I got very upset, it showed the truth as you cannot fake that level of emotion.

If you send in stuff make sure you have a copy, send it at least 3 weeks in advance and if possible by special delivery. They tried to say that they had only just received mine the evening before, although I sent it just before the 2 week cutoff. Luckily for me I took a copy of the special delivery dated receipts. They wanted to discount the extra info or book another date but with the receipts didn't have a choice.

I do know someone that didn't attend. He sent all his info along with a covering letter backed by GP to say,that attending would cause him more mental health issues, stress and pain, also has fibro and he hoped this would not go against him and he hoped they could make a favourable decision based on all the evidence that was in his best interest. He also won.

I hope you make the right decision for you and your needs

Take care

Jo

[Amanda in reply to jom277]

What two week cutoff do you mean? and thanks for sying about the recorded delivery I wouldnt have known and knowing muy luck mine would have got lost!would I still be told when it is if I couldn't go? VG I thought you're allowed to work and claim DLA?

[jom277 in reply to Amanda]

Sorry its taken so long, everytime I went to reply it crashed. Once you get your date it will say in the letter that if you have any other evidence that you also wish to be considered at the tribunal to send it in 2 weeks in advance. I sent in stuff from work, my OH report for work and school CAF report, which was all dated and signed with my health and difficulties. It's this information I was referring to. If you do have this kind of info to support your case make sure you doat least 3 and keep receipt. Also reference and number all pages as my socialvworker got told off for this.

I send everything to them by special delivery as they claim they didn't receive one of my letters and had to go back to waiting another 15 weeks, so learnt the hard way.

I hope it works out for you.

[esagestapo]

The TS do not ignore the evidence you sent them. They have to make a decision based on the facts of the case, and give legal reasons for the decision. And that is not the end of it, if you lose at 1st Tier Tribunal, you can then appeal to a 2nd Tier Tribunal, and so on.

IMO unless you are physically carried in to the tribunal, there is no point in going there by yourself, it just does not look good.

[Hidden]

Umm you are allowed to work and claim dla I only added that point as many people on here and on the Internet have been on ESA , turned up for a dla tribunal and got turned down as being fit enough to get out and about .... It makes no sense to me how their minds work......

Sorry if I confused you ... But it is right you can claim dla while working

VG x

[Amanda]

no probs VG I have so much going around in my mind now that I end up double checking everything lol x

[fibro]

If possible I would say go, but not on your own. I think I'd rather a stranger off the street than no one!

Good luck with whatever you decide. None of us should be put through this xx (((hug)))

[esagestapo]

I see your point VG, it is a mystery how they decide who qualifies for DLA when it is supposed to be for people who need help getting about.