Tribunal sounds scary

I've been reading through various posts about DLA & ESA appeals & tribunals, it sound so scary to me. I've appealled about my ESA & DLA decisions but now after reading some of these horror stories i don't think i could go to a tribunal???

I never leave the house alone & avoid people as much as possible, i won't even answer the phone if the number is with held. How on earth am i going to cope at a tribunal hearing?? Are you allowed to apoint someone to speak on your behalf?

Thanx for the reply Gordon

So far i have done this without any help, only recently subscribe to this site & have read alot of information that has been a great help. To be honest its too difficult to go to the CAB for advice as i get to anxious going out anywhere i even struggle when i have someone with me. And i get very tongue tied on the telephone! I'm hoping that the reconsideration i've asked for DLA with be enough to hopefully award me something but the ESA i have asked for an oral appeal (advice read on this site) But i really don't think i have the strength to go through with it now?!

I've got myself in such a state now i'm thinking is this extra stress really worth it for money?

Thanx for the support xx

Hi Metallichick

Please dont be put off appealing!!! I was in a similar position regarding my DLA, i was refused 3 times and after a 4th rejection i decided to appeal the decision as my health workers insisted that i should qualify for this. So, i sent my appeal in and waited for the next stage, i was very scared of not knowing what to expect (i was not aware of this site at that point).

I was a nervous wreck on the day and a family member attended with me just for moral support really. I was called in asked to sit down and was introduced to the panel of 4 people. I was immediately put at ease and although some of their questions were quite upsetting they were very patient and understanding and allowed me to answer in my own time. Just think about it both Jim and Crazydiamond were both on the panel at one time and they are not only lovely people but human aswell. Just take it as your oppertunity to explain how your daily life is affected by your disability, i must admit i found it easier talking to the panel about my disability than i did putting pen to paper!!!

Please dont give in on it, i wasted a lot of time not appealing the first time. Good luck and feel free to ask if there is anything else i could help with!!

Take care
Mm x

Hi
Do go to the tribunal, yes its daunting but if you give up, you will have to drop the claim or start again.
You can take somebody along and although the tribunal will want to ask you questions to which they will want you to answer, at least having somebody there will offer you moral support. Approach an organisation in your town that may help you and go along with you, it is not always easy to get help so act now.
It is better to take a representative who may or may not be able to prepare a summary to which they will have given a copy of to the tribunal before your sitting. This is often helpfull as some of the voluntary organisations are able to offer experienced representatives. If you cannot manage this, still take somebody who knows your problems well and may be able to prompt you should you forget anything when questioned.
Though some folk have had some bad experiences with tribunals, they still remain the best form of appeal and the members of the tribunal can be very nice.
I was quite lucky with mine, although I did have probs after the tribunal but thats not for you to take on board. So do yourself justice and appeal. They were very understanding when dealing with me and the doctor on the panel actually thanked me for putting my case across and they made no excuses for the EMP who had not listened to anything I had said.
Good luck

Callisto x