Medical certificates - the only accepted proof?

If a GP or Physiotherapist's letter explaining a condition and its ongoing nature is sent to the DWP (it says on the letters from the DWP that a letter from a health professional is acceptable if you don't provide a medical certificate,) the letter is completely ignored and benefit immediately stopped. The DWP only seem able to use medical certificates, despite what they say in their letters. Are the DWP allowed to do this? Are they breaking their own rules?
It means constant trips to the GP to get yet another medical certificate.
Thanks.

Hi Hat

Social Security (Medical Evidence) and Statutory Sick Pay (Medical Evidence) (Amendment) Regulations 2010 3 (3)(a)
(1) Medical information required under section 14(1) of the 1992 Act relating to incapacity for work shall be provided either—

(a)in the form of a statement given by a doctor in accordance with the rules set out in Part 1 of Schedule 1 to these Regulations; or

(b)by such other means as may be sufficient in the circumstances of any particular case.”

That does sound like the DWP decide if other evidence is sufficient but you can only be certain that they will accept a GP's 'fit' note.

Regards

Derek

Thank you Derek.