Who decides Benefit Entitlement?

Hello,

I am wondering with some of the articles about the struggles of obtaining medical evidence etc. Obviously your GP will issue you a fit note but they don't have to provide medical evidence unless asked and even then they may not be able to answer this comfortably.

So my question is really simple. Who decides this benefit entitlement? Because my GP has absolutely no idea how I'm affected at home or the fact I need assistance in the form of mobility from another person. I've tried to get that across to them but they are quite rude and dismissive and this is the case for many patients I see with mental health problems or difficulties with Functional Neurological Disorder.

What if the GP and the DWP disagree? etc. The GP may issue a fit note and sometimes people are declared fit for work. Could the same be true that the GP thinks you're fit for work but the DWP deem you not fit for work.

I'm new to the benefits system after working for 16 years before seizures and mental health affects my ability to work but I find it all puzzling, strange, confusing and I'm finding it very overwhelming too.

If you disagree with your own doctor, where does that leave you? Because it seems they’re so important in claiming any benefit.

Thank you, Gary.

This has happened to me where the psychiatrist has written that my anti-depressant has reduced my anxiety, when in fact avoidance and staying in the house is preventing panic attacks when leaving the house. I’m fed up of psychiatrists not listening. And nobody even measures the outcomes with questionnaires as listed in the IAPT manuals.

On another note, can you use supporting letters from family and friends? PIPPS advisors on Facebook claim they are biased information. They also told me not to bother doing a seizure diary.