DLA Tribunal Hearing

Hi Bro,

There is no lay member on DLA/PIP Tribunals now. They are now called Fee-paid Disability Member of the First-tier Tribunal (Social Entitlement Chamber) which is a Judicial appointment, just as the Tribunal Judge and Medical Member. All have equal say. Their role and qualifications needed are on the Judicial Appointments Commission

Extract below :

You do not need to be legally qualified. You will need to be experienced in dealing with the physical or mental needs of people with disabilities through working with them in a professional or voluntary capacity, as a carer or because you have disabilities.

If you are working with individuals with disabilities you need actual involvement in dealing with the disability, not simply advising on disability issues such as welfare benefits. This would include, but not be limited to, those trained as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, community psychiatric nurses, nurses and social workers working with individuals with disabilities and not just the elderly. Voluntary work must also involve actively working with people with disabilities to assist them in respect of their disability and must be a significant commitment.

The definition of having disabilities is wider than having a physical or mental impairment. It may include those who qualify for Disability Living Allowance, including those who have lost limbs or have conditions that preclude them from walking, such as polio or severe arthritis; those with sight or hearing impairment and those with a debilitating disease such as Crohn's disease.

These roles are not open to registered medical practitioners (i.e doctors).