Incapacity Benefit Appeal

Hi there,

I have my tribunal for ICB in a few weeks time, can anyone tell me what to expect?

I have no representative, my husband will be going with me. Is is worth paying for a representative? And where would you get one, a lawyer? CAB? charity worker?

Dawn

Hi Dawn

You can find advice regarding hearings in the IB appeal guide in the members area. The ESA appeal guide covers hearings in more detail and is still relevant.

I regret to say that it is quite difficult to find representatives at a late stage. I understand that the CAB in most areas are not funded to provide representation. You could try contacting the CAB or a national advice line to ask if there are any reps in your area.

Personally I would much rather be represented by an experienced welfare rights worker than a solicitor, as solicitors (even the ones that claim to specialize in benefits) often have just basic training in welfare benefits; it's not the main part of their business.

Best of luck at the hearing

Derek

Hi Dawn, besdt of luck with your appeal - I won mine and like you I only attended with my husband although I had taken advice from a CAB rep and made sure that I had loads of supporting evidence from my medical team as well as friends and family that supported my health issues. Try and get as much paperwork as you can and make sure that it gets to the tribunal in time, make copies of everything and once you are there answer their questions as honestly as you can - the people I dealt with were very nice and very understanding so don't be frightened of hem even though I know it is a frightening experience. Good luck - I will keep my fingers crossed for you.