Can anyone support me with my PIP upper tribunal appeal?

Hi everyone, 

Can anyone support me with my PIP upper tribunal appeal, or do you know of anyone who can represent me or advocate for me?

I'm currently at the point of applying to the upper tribunal because I've been discriminated against throughout the whole process. To summarise, it seems that because I am a high achiever and attending university, I am therefore capable of all the PIP activities. My tribunal panel said that I do not struggle cognitively because of my academic record, but the cognitive element is a crucial part of understanding autism. That's only a small part of where they have erred in law and been incorrect in their findings.

I struggle a lot, not just with being with autistic but other conditions too, and I am at desperation point looking for help.

I've tried citizens advice, scope, etc, and they have been great but are unable to help me any further now that my application has gone to the upper tribunal. There are no advocacy services I have been able to find in my area, and I can't afford to pay legal fees but don't qualify for legal aid. It just seems to be really hard to find someone to advocate for me or represent me, which is what I need now that I'm at the upper tribunal stage. 

I'm doing what I can to find relevant case law and back up my case, but I really need some help. 

Has anyone been through this process before, and have any advice? Even if you haven't been to the upper tribunal for PIP, do you have any advice on how I explain autism so that I am understood? Especially in a way that relates to the PIP descriptors? I just seem to be discriminated against because I am "clever" (their words).

Is anyone able to provide some insight into who can provide / where I can find advocacy or representation? 

Anything you are able to share would be massively appreciated - everything is helpful at this point. 

Thank you

Parents
  • Dear NAS87756,

    Thank you for sharing this with our community. While we are waiting the community to respond, you may want to take a look at the website, Advocate, https://weareadvocate.org.uk/

    I hope this helps!

    Best,

    Eunice Mod

  • thank you, I appreciate you providing the link to the advocate website. Unfortunately I've already had a look at their page and have become overwhelmed with their application process and all the evidence they require, so I would need support to undertake that process which is tricky when I can't find other support! I appreciate you taking the time to reply and I might have another look at their website when I'm less overwhelmed 

Reply
  • thank you, I appreciate you providing the link to the advocate website. Unfortunately I've already had a look at their page and have become overwhelmed with their application process and all the evidence they require, so I would need support to undertake that process which is tricky when I can't find other support! I appreciate you taking the time to reply and I might have another look at their website when I'm less overwhelmed 

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