Before the hearing, sit down with your friend and write a list of all the ways in which they meet the descriptors that they are basing their appeal on. Have it with you on the day and tick them off as they are said. If at the end of the hearing, there are still things that have not been said - you can remind them.
Try not to answer questions on your friend's behalf. This is extremely important, the panel will be unhappy if you try to do this. If you realise that your friend has left bits out when answering a question - try to remind them, rather than say it for them. However, if they are finding it difficult or becoming very emotional you can answer the question yourself (although it is best to ask the Judge if it is OK first, just to be polite). The judge might ask if you would like to say anything towards the end of the hearing and you should say anything you feel your friend has missed out.
If they get upset or stressed, you can try to calm them down and reassure them that they are doing well. If this does not work, ask them if they want a short break.
Read Work capability assessment tribunal hearings. This will help you to know what will happen so that you can help your friend. The tribunal panel are there to help your friend, to see if they can change the decision to make it right.
If you're OK with computers, consider asking if they want your help to write a tribunal submission using our tool.
Make sure your friend gets some rest or does something nice after their hearing. They can be emotionally exhausting as well as physically tiring, so it’s good to have some time when you can switch off afterwards.

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