How do I prepare for an objection hearing?

Questioner

On 17-10-2022 it was decided that I would not be entitled to the energy allowance because I was not yet 21 at the time of application. Now I have filed an objection because I do not think this is a valid reason. At the time of application I was 20 years old, but I have exactly the same costs as someone who is 21. Now I have been told that I will have a hearing at the Appeals Committee on November 30, after which they will make a decision on the objection. Now I assume that I can defend myself reasonably for that reason, but I wondered whether they could also come up with other points that I would not be able to be prepared for?

Lawyer

You can explain your objections orally during the hearing. You can still submit additional/substantiating documents up to 10 days before the hearing (later is often also accepted, but the 10-day term is the legal term). The hearing is not an interrogation or something like that, but a 'formal' conversation in which your objections will be heard and then a decision will be made on the objection. This usually does not happen immediately, but only a few weeks after the hearing. You will be notified of this in writing.