PIP

Hi ClareA

Unfortunately we cannot offer ongong assistance with benefits appeals, as we do not have the resources to cover the whole country, however it's very likely that there will be an agency in your area that can assist.

Try your local CAB - even if they cannot assist you they are likely to know other local agencies, your council may have a Welfare Rights department, or there may be a Law Centre in your locality.

If you do require assistance then I suggest that you get on it as soon as possible, as the the timescale of less than six weeks is extremely tight for someone to prepare a case.

What I would like to stress though, is that if you can't get a representative TRY NOT TO WORRY. The best evidence you can give to a Tribunal is your own honest account of the difficulties you experience - you will already have written this on your Mandatory Reconsideration and Appeal form, and the Tribunal will just ask you questions around this - you will not be required to have any legal knowledge.

As regards money advice, a lot of councils and housing associations offer face to face money advice, or if you have a CAB/Law Centre then they may be able to assist. The Citizens Advice also do a live webchat weekdays during the day if you would rather access direct advice that way.

Good luck!

Kind regards,

Mary