Esa tribunal date

[alibromo]

got my date for tribunal case 20th August & i am dreading it. Dont know if its just a coincidence (cant spell ), but i av been worrying about it since it came friday, got up this morning & can hardly walk. Got really bad pains at the top of both legs. Wish i didnt have to go through this. Advice is very welcome please. Xx Alison

[earthwitch]

So sorry you have to go through this. Only advice I'd give is don't go alone - if you can't get an advocate to go with you, at least take a good friend to support you.

If you can, get an appointment with the CAB disability welfare officer before it, and ask them for advice. If you tell them when you phone what the date of the tribunal is, they will usually try and see you, and sometimes even come out to your house if its hard for you to get to them.

[alibromo in reply to earthwitch]

Thank you earthwitch i have already been to see CAB. They have tried to give me advice. Unfortunately it looks like i shall av to go alone, neither my husband or daughter can have time off they have both just started new jobs. I have a close friend but she cant make it that day. Xx Alison

[Sharon56]

Oh dear I am sorry you dont have anyone to go with you. I have only just gone on ESA didnt realise sometimes you have to go to a Tribunal. Criminals get better treatment. Chin up you will be fine. Oh and good luck.

[alibromo in reply to Sharon56]

Thank you Sharon. The worse thing is its at our local county court, so yes i do feel like a criminal . Xx Alison

[sparker]

Hi, it is disgusting the way we are treated isn't it! I have not received my tribunal date yet and like you are worried. I have been advised to get a letter from my doctor and consultant and also keep a diary outlining my ongoing daily issues as well. I hope all goes ok for you! Steph

[alibromo in reply to sparker]

Hi Steph, i have had a lovely report off my doctor but my consultant has not done one i did request it in writting like his secutary suggested infact i see my letter in my folder every time i go. I have an appointment this afternoon so i shall mention it, every time i ring his secutary she says he is very busy he has alot of requests like this. Xx Alison

[summer32]

Hope it goes ok for you x

[alibromo in reply to summer32]

Thank you summer. Xx Alison

[oldtimer]

Just think - it's a good thing that I'm at my worst when they see me.

Make sure that you don't try and do your "best" - you need to show them how it affects you, not how you cope.

A taxi to the door, walk slowly. Ask to sit down all the time, etc. Don't be brave or long-suffering - you will suffer for it yourself.

[alibromo in reply to oldtimer]

i will try & remember all that. Thanx Oldtimer . Xx Alison

[nettieja]

Anyone going to an appeal should remember the following:

- Reliably means to a reasonable standard

- In a timely fashion means in less than twice the time it takes and individual without any impairment

Repeatedly means completed as often during the day as the individual activity requires. Consideration needs to given to the cumulative effects of symptoms such as pain and fatigue - i.e whether completing the activity adversely affects the individuals ability to subsequently complete other activities

Safely means in a fashion that is unlikely to cause harm to the individual, either directly or through vulnerability to the actions of others; or to another person.

The Equality Act 2010 is worth looking at especially this bit gov.uk/definition-of-disabi...

See page 20 where there is reference to someone suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Good luck

[alibromo in reply to nettieja]

Hi nettieja thank you very much for that. Xx Alison