Going it Alone

Hi, I still have not been able to find anyone who can help me with my appeal against not getting ESA.

Do you think it would go against me if I go it alone? Does the Tribunal look at people unfavourably if they are unrepresented and have had no help in their appeal?

Best wishes,
Rachel

Hi Fedup,

The vast majority of claimants who attend an appeal hearing do not have a representative - the tribunal certainly won't look unfavourably on you because of it.

Good luck,

Steve

Hi Fedup

I went to tribunal for my DLA appeal and didnt have any representation with me, but i took a friend with me asthe trbunal was held 25miles from where i live. My friend asnt allowed to say anything but towards the end they did ask her who she was and did she do anything to help me. So it could be worth taking someone with you even if it is just for support.

I didnt actually get to my planned tribunal for ESA as the decision was overturned the week before it was due to be held. I am assuming that it is similar to a DLA hearing, perhaps if i am wrong one of the mods could help.

Good luck
Mm

Hi Fedup,

Just to give you some hope in case you have to go to a tribunal alone.

I chose to deal with both my appeal and tribunal alone for DLA. I attended the hearing with my husband. The panel awarded me my allowance and to be honest with you I got a lot of real satisfaction from being able to do all this myself and win my appeal.

When my husband went back into the room to recieve the panels decision, the members said to him that it was a real pleasure for them to meet someone like me and they had no doubt about the fact that my independance is important to me, and they went on to say that it was a pity there were not more like me.

I had gone out to sit in the car and when my husband told me this, I went back into the building to thank the panel members personally, and the LQM said to me "well done darling, you only got what you deserved"

I would agree with what Steve says, you will not be looked at unfavouably.

Kathy x

Thankyou so much for your helpful replies! I am terrified about going to the Tribunal but in some ways, due to mental health issues, would be better doing it on my own.

The CAB wouldn't help and I can't find anyone else, so your replies have come as a complete relief.

I gather from other threads that Tribunal people aren't as horrible as ATOS workers?! Which I will try to hold on to.

Many thanks and best wishes,
Rachel