GP just needs written request for evidence

Chrissy wrote: Hi Gordon

Thank you, I will take in the ESA50 with me when I see my GP, or a copy of that page, as I dont want to lose it.
I'll try to look for something online like mental health websites to see if there is anything that says it is best to supply medical evidence along with the ESA50.

I think you have misunderstood my post.

I would be careful showing the ESA50 to your GP as it specifically states that the claimant should not source new evidence!

I'm happy to state that you need your GP to produce a report, my concern is that their saying that they need written instruction to do so is simply an excuse to not to do it all, as I said in my previous post, there is no requirement for a GP to be told to provide a report or letter, the decision is entirely theirs.

Gordon

Ben wrote: <blockquote>A claim without up to date medical evidence can be severely weakened </blockquote>

Exactly what i didn't want to here.

I'm due a reassessment for ESA in October and a DLA to PIP assessment could happen at any time.I've got a condition that leaves me isolated and housebound most of the time.I'm on prescribed medication but i haven't seen any specialists for many years other than my GP..

My highly supportive old gp retired and the new one has a strict policy of only providing evidence for benefit claims when it's requested by the DWP.

I'm genuinely terrified by the process and the DWP were informed before that it left me suicidal with a serious worsening of my mental state. I honestly don't think i could cope with a face to face and i don't want anyone on behalf of the DWP coming into my home.

I've had this condition for many years now and the DWP know how bad i am.And they've got evidence of the diagnosis that was made around 20 years ago..My flatmate and family members could provide evidence -the latter that i can't even see them -but i'm told the DWP discards that because they think it's biased .

I'm feeling really anxious about this because i simply can't cope with the stress of it.And i was hoping that given all the info the DWP have on me and given the last prognosis on me was that it was unlikely i'd return to work i was hoping i'd be one of those exempt from reassessments from now on.However if i am summoned and can't provide any new medical evidence and i'm penalized for that then i know that's going to tip me over the edge.

My statement was not an absolute, we've seen members receive awards with no medical evidence at all, it just makes it more difficult and you will need to explain your problems in more detail.

Note I also say "new" evidence, you may have old evidence that you can show is still relevant to your conditions as they are now.

Gordon