Our clinicians do not routinely provide separate supporting letters for PIP or other benefit applications.
This is because:
- The DWP requests medical information directly from the GP if it is required
- The DWP’s standard forms are designed to collect the necessary information in an appropriate format
- Writing additional letters falls outside of NHS contractual work and may duplicate information already available in the medical record
- GP practices are not contracted under the NHS General Medical Services (GMS) agreement to provide additional letters or reports for benefit claims outside of these official requests
Patient Guidance:
Patients applying for PIP or similar benefits should:
- Ensure they list their GP and any other relevant healthcare professionals on their application form so the DWP can contact them directly
- Provide copies of any medical documents they already have (e.g., clinic letters, test results, care plans)
- Ensure that all relevant information is documented in their record
- Patients can request a copy of their medical summary or relevant records free of charge
- A private letter would incur a £30 charge and would be of no benefit to an application or appeal