Due to the large number of requests, we are no longer able to provide letters of support on request.
- The Department of Work and Pensions will usually contact your GP or healthcare professional to obtain medical evidence when you submit a PIP or ESA claim, the information is then sent to the DWP as part of your claim process.
- They request on the application form that you do not submit any new information/letters or new reports written by a GP as part of your application. This can delay your application
- Completing such letters takes our doctors time away from seeing patients and dealing with clinical issues.
We are therefore unable to provide additional letters of supports as the information we provide, will normally be included in the report requested by the DWP. We therefore regret that we cannot provide additional letters of support. However you may request your medical records if you feel this may help your case. If you wish a copy of your medical records, please contact the practice who will advise you accordingly. There is no charge for a copy of your records.
If you feel you would still like a letter please contact the reception. As this is not contracted NHS work it will incur a charge for you as per the current private letter fees. There may be occasions where the doctor feels a letter is appropriate, in which case this may be completed free of charge, however we anticipate this will be rare.
We are aware that the Citizens Advice Bureau and other services advise you to request a letter from your GP. We are currently looking at ways to communicate the above information to these services.
We have provided some useful contacts shown below to help you:
Action for M.E.
information and support for people with M.E. and their carers General enquiries: 0117 927 9551 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) Enquiries email: Questions
Online M.E. Centre: Action for M.E.
Welfare Rights Line: 0845 122 8648 (times vary)
Citizens Advice Bureau
Offers advice on a range of issues and may complete a benefits check for you. Find your local Citizens Advice Bureau.
Disability information and Advice Line (DIAL)
To find your local DIAL office, contact Scope, 6 Market Road, London N7 9PW Tel: 0808 800 3333
Disability Rights UK
Factsheets on benefits, tax credits and independent living from disability rights uk
Local councils
Some local councils employ welfare rights workers. Your local council may also have information about other services that offer welfare rights advice in your area.