Ashdown Medical Group recognises that applying for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) can be a challenging experience, especially for patients living with long-term health conditions or disabilities. These benefits are designed to promote independence, but the application process can often feel overwhelming.
We’re aware that patients sometimes ask their GP for a supporting letter to strengthen their application. However, we do not supply letters of support for PIP claims as this is non-NHS work and you are able to get all the information you require yourself from your medical record, which is available to you online via the NHS App.
In order to have a successful PIP claim, you need to ensure you have filled the PIP form out thoroughly, ensuring you are clearly detailing the difficulties and disabilities you have in your everyday life. A doctor’s letter will not add anything extra to this as we can only produce a letter from your records and you can do this yourself at no expense. Remember that the PIP assessors are looking at how your conditions are disabling you in your daily life, so it is the way you demonstrate this on your application that will help you.
When you apply, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will usually contact us to provide a report, which is supplied directly to them. 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. 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 our admin team, or access online using the NHS app