Preparing for a Tribunal Hearing: What to Expect

Attending a tribunal hearing for the first time can feel daunting. You might be worried about what questions you'll be asked, whether you'll say the wrong thing, or what the room will be like. This guide explains what to expect at a First-tier Tribunal (Social Security and Child Support) hearing and how to prepare.

The good news is that tribunals are designed to be accessible and less formal than courts. The panel members are there to find out the truth about your situation, not to trip you up.

Paper Hearing vs Oral Hearing

When you submit your appeal, you'll be asked whether you want:

A paper hearing — The panel decides based on the documents alone, without you attending.

An oral hearing — You attend (in person or by video) and answer questions from the panel.

In most cases, an oral hearing gives you a better chance of success. It allows you to explain your situation in your own words, clarify any misunderstandings, and demonstrate how your condition affects you. Statistics consistently show higher success rates for oral hearings.

Before the Hearing

The Tribunal Bundle

A few weeks before your hearing, you'll receive a "bundle" — a collection of all the documents relevant to your case. This typically includes:

• Your original claim form
• The DWP's decision and reasons
• The assessor's report
• Your mandatory reconsideration request
• Your appeal submission
• Medical evidence you've provided
• The DWP's response to your appeal

Read through the bundle carefully before your hearing. Make sure you understand what's in the assessor's report and identify any points you want to challenge.

Additional Evidence

If you have any new evidence (recent medical letters, test results, care assessments), you can submit it before the hearing. Send it to the tribunal as soon as possible — ideally at least 10 working days before the hearing date.

Bringing a Companion

You can bring someone with you for support — a friend, family member, support worker, or representative. They can:

• Sit with you during the hearing
• Help you explain things if you get stuck
• Speak on your behalf (with the panel's permission)
• Provide their own evidence about how your condition affects you

If you're bringing someone who will give evidence (like a carer who helps you daily), let the tribunal know in advance.

On the Day

Arriving

Arrive at least 30 minutes early. You'll need to check in at reception, and there may be security screening. The venue will have a waiting area where you'll be called when the panel is ready.

If you have mobility issues, need wheelchair access, or have other requirements, contact the tribunal in advance so they can make arrangements.

The Hearing Room

The room is usually set up informally — often around a table rather than in a traditional courtroom layout. There's no dock, no witness box, and no wigs and gowns. It's designed to be less intimidating than a court.

The Panel

The panel typically consists of:

• A tribunal judge (who chairs the hearing)
• A medical member (a doctor with relevant expertise)
• A disability-qualified member (someone with experience of disability, often through personal experience or working in the sector)

All three panel members can ask you questions. They're trying to understand your condition and how it affects your daily life.

The DWP

A "presenting officer" from the DWP may attend to explain their decision. However, in many benefit tribunals, no one from the DWP attends — the panel simply reviews the evidence. Don't be surprised either way.

What Happens During the Hearing

Introduction

The judge will introduce the panel members, explain how the hearing will work, and check you're comfortable. They'll ask if you have any questions before starting.

The Questions

The panel will ask you about your condition and how it affects your ability to carry out daily activities. They'll work through the PIP descriptors (or equivalent for other benefits) and ask about specific activities.

Typical questions might include:

• "Can you tell us about a typical day for you?"
• "How do you manage preparing meals?"
• "What happens when you try to wash or dress yourself?"
• "How far can you walk before you need to stop?"
• "Do you need someone with you when you go out?"

The medical member might ask more detailed questions about your condition, medications, and treatment.

How to Answer

Be honest. Don't exaggerate, but don't downplay your difficulties either. Describe your worst days, not your best days.

Be specific. Instead of "I struggle with cooking," say "I can't stand for more than five minutes because of the pain in my back. I've burned food several times because I forget it's cooking. I dropped a pan of boiling water last month."

Describe variability. If your condition fluctuates, explain this. "On a good day I can manage X, but on a bad day I can't do Y at all. I have about three bad days a week."

Mention aids and adaptations. If you use a walking stick, shower seat, or other aids, say so. If you need them but don't have them, explain why.

Explain the consequences. If you do manage an activity, what happens afterwards? Does it cause pain, exhaustion, or other problems?

Closing

At the end, the judge will ask if there's anything else you want to add. This is your chance to mention anything important that wasn't covered. Then they'll explain what happens next.

The Decision

In most cases, you'll receive the decision on the same day. The panel will ask you to wait outside while they deliberate, then call you back in to give their decision.

If you win, they'll explain what you've been awarded. A written decision notice will follow by post.

If you lose, they'll explain why. You have the right to request a "statement of reasons" (a detailed written explanation) within one month. This is essential if you're considering appealing further to the Upper Tribunal.

Tips for Success

Know your bundle. Read everything in advance. Be ready to point out inaccuracies in the assessor's report.

Bring your medications. Having your medication box with you can help if questions arise about what you take.

Take your time. There's no rush. If you need a moment to think or need to take a break, just say so.

Don't try to look "well." Some people feel they should dress smartly or put on a brave face. Just be yourself. If you're in pain, it's okay to show it.

Focus on function, not diagnosis. The tribunal isn't about your medical condition in the abstract — it's about how it affects your ability to do things. Keep bringing answers back to practical impact.