Personal Independence Payments (PIP) & Universal Credit

Personal Independence Payments (PIP) can help those patients with some of the extra costs if they have a long term physical or mental health condition or disability. Similarly, Universal Credit can help with cost of living. 

Patients do not need a GP report or letter to be able to make a PIP claim. However, if further medical information is required, a healthcare professional from IAS (previously known as ATOS) or Capita may occasionally phone you for more information. Patients give consent for this to happen as part of their claim and you do not need to seek additional consent.

General Medical Council confidentiality guidance (paragraph 115b) states ‘you may accept an assurance from an officer of a government department or agency, or a registered health professional acting on their behalf, that the patient or a person properly authorised to act on their behalf has consented’.

There is help for patients from Advicenow.org.uk on “How to win a PIP appeal” or more information on PIP claims here.

Citizens Advice can also offer guidance to patients on challenging a PIP decision.

To apply for Universal Credit - https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit 

The practice however does not unfortunately provide PIP support letters or supportive Universal Credit letters.

 
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