I have an esa tribunal on Wednesday for agoraphobia and anxiety. The DWP basically said my appearance was well kept so I must be fine.
So, fast forward and the clerk from the court called me today and said:
'The judge asked me to call you to ask if you were planning on attending? He said if it is easier, we can do it over the telephone instead'
I said I was planning to attend to which he said
'Ok well how about we say you're attending but if you suddenly find you can't, then we can do it over the telephone'.
Now it's 2 days away, my bravery has gone. I don't think I can attend. Is the offer the judge made normal for agoraphobia sufferers? Is it a good sign that this was offered? And will I be messing up my chances by choosing the phone tribunal? I really can't go. But I find it odd that they have given me this option as I've never heard of it before. I'm really grateful that they have done this without me even asking.
It's usually advantageous if the claimant can attend, but if you suffer from conditions that limit your ability to go out then it may disadvantage you if you attend, especially if you do it on your own.
If you now feel that you cannot, contact the Clerk of the Court and explain, I'm sure they can still arrange the telephone hearing, which will still be a lot better than their reviewing your claim just on the papers before them.
Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
