Getting GP and Medical Evidence That Wins a PIP Claim
Good medical evidence can be the difference between an award and a refusal, but only if it says the right things. The mistake most people make is sending evidence that proves their diagnosis when PIP is about how the condition affects them. This guide explains what evidence scores, who to ask, and how to use it.
- ✓PIP is about function, not diagnosis, evidence must show what you can and cannot do.
- ✓Evidence should relate to how you were at the date of the decision being challenged.
- ✓The professional who knows you best is often more useful than a GP who rarely sees you.
- ✓GPs can charge for a letter and are not obliged to write one; you cannot compel an NHS consultant.
- ✓Always ask for a copy, check it is accurate, and keep it.
Get instant help right now
A Citizens Advice appointment can take weeks. Our free assistant is available 24/7 with no appointment, giving you clear, step-by-step answers about your exact situation, what to do next, and the deadlines that matter.
Need to take action? It can draft a ready-to-send formal letter for you (optional, from £4.99).
England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland.
Show function, not just diagnosis
PIP is not awarded for having a condition, it is awarded for how that condition affects the 12 activities. A letter that simply confirms your diagnosis adds very little. The evidence that scores describes what actually happens:
- ✓What you cannot do safely, reliably, repeatedly, or in a reasonable time, the reliability test.
- ✓The help, prompting, supervision or aids you need, and what happens without them.
- ✓How your condition varies, and how often your bad days occur (the 'more than 50% of days' rule).
- ✓Real examples: falls, missed medication, not eating, getting lost, panic on public transport.
The Claim Companion walks you through it step by step, works out the points you should score, and prepares your document ready to send.
Make it relate to the right date
If you are challenging a decision, a tribunal looks at how you were at the date of that decision, not how you are now. Evidence about a later deterioration is still useful if it sheds light on how things were at the time, so ask the professional to relate their comments to that date where they can.
Who to ask
- ✓The professional who knows your day-to-day functioning best, this is often a community psychiatric nurse, support worker, occupational therapist or specialist, not necessarily your GP.
- ✓Your GP for an overview and your medication and history.
- ✓A consultant or clinic for the specifics of your condition and treatment.
- ✓A carer, family member or friend can also write a statement describing what they have to do for you.
Use it well
- ✓Always ask for a copy, check it is accurate and actually helps, and keep it.
- ✓Send copies, not originals, and keep your own set.
- ✓You can request your assessment report and the evidence the DWP used, through a subject access request.
- ✓Combine professional evidence with your own clear account of your worst days, the two together are powerful.
Get instant help right now
A Citizens Advice appointment can take weeks. Our free assistant is available 24/7 with no appointment, giving you clear, step-by-step answers about your exact situation, what to do next, and the deadlines that matter.
Need to take action? It can draft a ready-to-send formal letter for you (optional, from £4.99).
England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland.
Frequently asked questions
What medical evidence is best for a PIP claim?
Evidence that describes how your condition affects you day to day, not just your diagnosis. The most useful evidence comes from the professional who knows your functioning best (often a community nurse, support worker or occupational therapist), describing what you cannot do safely, reliably and repeatedly, the help you need, and how your condition varies.
Will my GP charge for a PIP letter?
They can. A supporting letter is not NHS work, so GPs may charge a fee (often up to around £50) and are not obliged to write one. You cannot compel an NHS consultant to write one either. Give plenty of notice and, if possible, set out the specific points you would like them to confirm.
Does my evidence need to be recent?
For a challenge, evidence should relate to how you were at the date of the decision you are disputing, because that is what the tribunal looks at. Newer evidence still helps if it shows what the position was at that earlier time, so ask the professional to relate their comments to that date.
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