Surprised at cost of doctors letter

Hi Everyone
This is the first time I have ever been on a discussion website.
Yesterday I received a letter to attend an assessment for ESA. I suffer from anxiety and depression as well as other problems. I don’t use public transport for long journeys as I have a fear of traveling to places I don't know. My last assessment I attended the center arranged a taxi for me. However this time I was told that I needed a doctor’s letter stating why I don’t use public transport. Can’t believe it cost me £50 for a letter, which I thought was a bit steep. I am just hoping it’s worth it.
Has anyone else had the same problem obtaining a letter from their doctor for either ESA or PIP? It seems that trying to get these benefits are getting harder and harder.
Replies
£50 does seem very steep, my partner recently requested a doctor's letter and was charged £30.
Unfortunately, as doctors are under no obligation to provide them it can be really difficult (and costly!) to obtain a letter from your doctor and the amount they charge seems to vary widely as well.
One bit of advice is to be very specific to the doctor with what you need them to include in the letter.
Best of luck with your ESA assessment.
Scope
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Please can I make a suggestion.. If you have mental health issues. Please can I ask is there any one who is supporting you with your mental health issues.?
If you contacted a mental health charity. They will support you at the assessment. Also take you there as well. You might and probably will need to pay them a service charge for fuel and car parking.
Many charities do this now.
I used this one last time.
https://www.richmondfellowship.org.uk.
Get help with floating support and an outreach worker. Advice on wellbeing and health. Advice on your benefits.
Do take members of our community with additional disabilities and other problems.
Something to consider.
The cost of a Doctors letter is expensive in my opinion. I would not pay that. I would just book the taxi pay it for my self.
As I am the same as you. Have and do not go by bus have anxiety around unfamiliar places and people.
Please can I advise put some money away some funds. For the cost of a taxi. Understand I do this all the time..
I lost my car on the last one and so be it and the end of the day your needs come first not them.
I will never be dictated to told to you can not do this. Rather pay the taxi and get there. Not the cost of a Doctors letter.
If I can help with anything else. Please get in touch.
Wish you well for a positive outcome.
Please take care.
@thespiceman
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But my PIP notes read `dont pay for any letters...if we need them, we`ll get them`
So I didnt!
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Also they may be open to negotiation.
I live in London.
It was actually just a list of my ailments and the name and amount of medications I’m on with a brief explanation of my ailments.
Perhaps your letter was more in depth?
Still seems exorbitant to me! 😳
There you go...straight from the horse`s mouth!
This after 20 years makes me befuddleed!