Should I pay for a doctor's letter?

Hi Alison

There is no 'right or 'wrong' thing to do here. It comes down to personal choice.

The DWP doesn't want people to pay for letters because if they require further information from a GP, they will send a form, and the GP will be paid to fill it out. They don't want to burden GPs and nor do they want GPs to complain that they are trying to deal with thousands of benefit claimants asking for letters. They don't think people should pay for 'new' information as there is an assumption that the DWP will already have enough from the start of the claim.

Some GPs refuse to write letters on behalf of their patients to the DWP unless the DWP contacts them first. You are fortunate to have a GP willing to write a letter (albeit for a price).

Should you pay for a letter? As I said at the beginning, it comes down to personal choice, but I would consider these things:-

1. If you haven't had a recent update from a medical professional in the last three years, then a GP update would be useful. The DWP then can't say that you haven't had contact with the medical services.

2. If you pay for the letter, you will have the chance to read it and check that there is nothing in it that you don't want the DWP to see. If the DWP decides they want an update on you and they ask your GP to fill in a form, you will have no control over what they say, and the chances they won't even give you a copy or keep one in your records. A couple of members here have found doctors saying things they weren't expecting and only finding out about it during their assessment.

3. Will your doctor say anything useful? This will depend on your GP - some write wishy-washy letters that aren't that helpful. However, it's important to check they haven't said anything damaging. If you are allowed to say what you would like in the letter - do so - if you get the chance to agree on what the doctor will put in the letter - do so. If you get the final letter and don't like it - don't use it. You might waste 40 or 50 pounds - but never submit a letter with anything that can count against you. Don't expect the doctor to be able to comment about things they could not have witnessed - such as how you manage at home!

4. Whatever you decide - accept that was the right answer for you at the time. It's no good wishing you had sent a letter if you decide not to - or think you shouldn't have sent a letter in if you decide to pay.

BIS