Personal Independence Payment

 

We do not provide supporting letters for PIP claims or appeals.

Assessment for PIP is based on your how your condition affects your day-to-day life, not just your diagnosis. This includes things like:

  • Preparing food
  • Washing and dressing
  • Managing medication
  • Getting around safely

GPs are not present in your daily life, so we cannot report on these.  

Writing detailed reports for benefit claims is not part of NHS services and takes time away from patient care. Even when offered privately, these letters can be expensive and may not help your claim. Decisions about PIP are not based on GP opinion and you are not required to provide a GP letter as part of your PIP application or appeal.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will contact us directly if they require medical information as part of your claim. This means you do not need to request a GP letter; we will provide relevant factual medical information when asked by the DWP.

PIP guidance encourages you to submit information you already have and your own description of how your condition affects you.  Better evidence comes from you and those who support you. Useful evidence for PIP may include:

  • A detailed description of your daily difficulties
  • A diary of how your condition affects you
  • Letters from carers, family, or support workers
  • Existing clinic letters or reports

Whilst we cannot provide a GP letter, we can:

  • Provide access to your medical records, including online access
  • Respond to requests directly from the DWP
  • Provide fit notes, if clinically appropriate
  • Continue to support your ongoing medical care
  • Provide a copy of this information

To give your application the best chance:

  • Complete your PIP form in detail
  • Describe what you can and cannot do, with examples
  • Explain how often problems happen and how long tasks take
  • Include supporting information from:
    • Family or carers
    • Social workers or support staff
    • Existing medical or hospital letters
       

Our aim is to ensure you focus on the evidence that will genuinely help your claim and do not pay for GP letters that are unlikely to make a difference.

If you have been asked by any agency to obtain a supporting letter from your GP, please direct them to this information.

Further information and support:

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