I have been left in the lurch with my appeal.

Can any one help with advise, I have lodged my appeal through a solicitor with a benefits advisor, my date for the appeal is going to be soon. I called her the other day to prepare her for availability, and she has left the practice, and there is nobody to replace her or to represent me now I am so nervous and just can not face going alone. I scored no points at my ATOS medical and I am so scared the same will happen again I am genuinely ill and suffer from depression, can any one tell me what to do or expect please help.

First of all it appears that your log in name may be your full real name ?, if so we advise members to use a pseudonym rather than their own name. So e-mail office@benefitsand work.co.uk and they can change you login name for you.

I'm not sure why you had to go through a solicitor, to get a benefits adviser as solicitors tend not to deal with welfare benefits, as it's specialist area.

You can try using Google or other search engine to try and find a benefits adviser in your area by searching for benefits advice in x, where x is your post code or postal town.

However. with cut backs most local authorities have now had to close down.

A representative at a Tribunal does not need legal qualifications, you can have a family member or friend who knows about your condition well.

See my guide in the Spotlights are of the forum GOOD PRACTICE GUIDANCE FOR THOSE WHO APPEAR BEFORE APPEAL TRIBUNALS

These notes provide information for those who represent claimants at tribunals dealing with Social Security appeals. e.g. ESA, DLA etc. The following notes apply to qualified benefits advisers acting as a representative at an appeal, or to a relative, family friend or carer who although not qualified benefits advisers provide representation at appeal.

Hope this helps.