DLA Appeal info please

Hi,
I put in appeal for DLA and asked for it to be heard without me being there due to me being unable to cope with the stress of it all. I received a letter today saying that the appeal was heard yesterday and adjourned, they have changed it to an oral hearing? Can they do that when I have already told them I cannot cope with the stress? If I am forced to attend then I would rather cancel it all than deal with the stress of it.
Any advice would be helpful,
Many thanks
Sue

Have you got anyone to speak for you?

Is it possible that they think that if they offer you an oral hearing that you will manage to make it or will send a representative?

Hi Survivor,
I don't have anyone to speak for me and the appeal was heard approx 50 miles away from where I live. I specifically stated that I could not cope with going in person.
Can I write to them and just cancel it all or will they make me go. I feel like a criminal already and that's just the thought of going.
Thanks for replying,
Sue

Hi Sue

Does the letter actually say that you are obliged to attend? Or has it been changed to an oral hearing at the DWP's request (because they want to be present)?

From what Jim (former tribunal member) has previously said, it is usual for tribunals to 'invite' an appellant to attend when they feel it is in the appellant's best interest rather than compel them to attend.

Derek

Hi Derek,
It states "Decision Notice" Then underneath that it says:
1, The appeal is adjourned as an oral hearing to explain to the tribunal the discrepancies in the evidence.
Then it goes on to say the clerk will ask for a report from my GP and that the tribunal is not ready to proceed.
Many thanks
Sue

Hi sue615,

I would strongly urge you to attend in person. The same thing happened me, I wanted a paper hearing and it was changed to an oral by the LQM. I was a bit reluctant but I went and won my case, unanimously.

Everyone understands the stress of it all, but please for your own sake do your best to attend. I would say that by them asking you to attend they see something positive in your favour.

Kathy x