ESA/PIP and role of the GP

Hello,

I want to touch upon this subject again. How important is the role of your GP in making an ESA/UC/PIP claim? I’m asking because when I first applied for benefits it was during the coronavirus pandemic and every line of communication was done by telephone.

I was lucky enough to be awarded both ESA AND PIP. But recently I gathered my medical records and I’m astonished that they don’t really know much about the struggles I face with my conditions on a daily basis.

For example: my GP doesn’t know that I rarely leave the house. I think I’ve been out of the house maybe 7 times in the past 5 months. They don’t know that I rarely brush my teeth or take showers now due to my mental health or that I rarely change my clothes.

But If you looked at my medical records, you’d be none the wiser. Now this obviously has me worried. Since the DWP can contact your GP and I think to myself, then where’s the evidence? I know my family who come to visit and my friend who I live with can certainly vouch for me. As can my partner who has seen me panic, have seizures and seen me unable to leave my bedroom.

So my question is: how important is the GP really? I mean they don’t even record my symptoms of depression in the medical records. They don’t even record my symptoms of panic attacks or seizures properly. In fact, they said the neurologist manages my condition but he discharged me and sent me to neuropsychiatry!

I think I’m also dismayed at how the NHS has operated pandemic and post pandemic tbh.

Hello,

So the best person to describe how my condition affects me to ESA & PIP descriptors is myself?

I don’t think my GP’s are aware properly of the fact I will not leave the house at all or if the very odd occasion I would need the help of someone.

Also with my mood they don’t know the lack of self care or the household tasks are not getting done. They don’t know this or the fact I’ve given up all my hobbies because of my problems.