Supporting Evidence

Ala

Hello,

I need advice regarding supporting evidence letter for PIP.

My GP basically told me: they do not know what to write, they have no clue about benefits, I need to tell them what is needed.

My brain is frozen solid when comes to dealing with the benefits system

Is there any advice I could read or, maybe someone would be so kind to give mi some points, how to deal with this.    My supporting evidence from specialists is outdated - 2016 - 2018 - They cant help me - no cure - so I don't see them.   Currently they do not accept re-referrals of patients due to Covid

mikehughescq

You are your own best evidence for PIP. The stories you might tell us or other people about the consequences of your ill health are at minimum at least as important as medical evidence and I would argue in most cases they’re way more important. A GP who reiterate what you say might add credibility to your case but it’s not really medical evidence so it wouldn’t be given much weight usually. A GP can only talk about diagnosis, medication and treatments and prognosis. They don’t (I hope) cook with you or bathe with you or watch you dress etc. What they therefore have to say on those matters is of limited value and you would be better focusing on your own anecdotal stories. 

That said, I don’t see your 2018 evidence as being “out of date” in any sense so I’d be using that (but not wholly relying on it) regardless.

Topkitten

People keep thinking that a ton of supporting medical evidence is necessary but every condition affects different people in different ways at different points in time. PIP is all about how your problems affect you now, not how they might in the future. It's amazing how many people think that as soon as you get an illness or condition you qualify for disability even if there is little or no impact as yet.

TK

Ala

Thank you very much!

Chloe_Scope

Best of luck @Ala! Please let us know how you get on!

janer1967

Hi @Ala Welcome on board glad you have joined 

They say less is more and not to send reems of evidence. The only thing I sent was a prescription list and a letter from my consultant detailing my treatment and that I am partially sighted and also a OH care needs report

Good luck hope you get it sorted

catt_t

I am my daughters appointee, and I was the only evidence of how she is affected by things. The very, very nice lady who did an unannounced, totally unexpected telephone interview for my daughters appeal(  at 9.30 am on a Saturday I have to add) told me I was the best person to give evidence as I knew her the best. I'm just her mum, no medical training or anything. 
That one phone call won the appeal anyway!
My point is, you don't always need a ton of evidence from doctors who don't have insight to how things are.
Hope things go well for you, don't be put off!

Chloe_Scope

catt_t said:

I am my daughters appointee, and I was the only evidence of how she is affected by things. The very, very nice lady who did an unannounced, totally unexpected telephone interview for my daughters appeal(  at 9.30 am on a Saturday I have to add) told me I was the best person to give evidence as I knew her the best. I'm just her mum, no medical training or anything. 
That one phone call won the appeal anyway!
My point is, you don't always need a ton of evidence from doctors who don't have insight to how things are.
Hope things go well for you, don't be put off!

Thank you for sharing this @catt_t! So glad you had someone so understanding. Also, welcome to the community.