Is it better to get letter from GP for ESA?

johnsmi

Hello,

I just got the ESA50 to fill in again and as regards sending medical evidence it says to send any reports from Gp's and other consultants but then in a paragraph underneath it says,

"Things we don't need to see"

and includes such things such as doctors statements or sick notes.
I would have thought that a short statement or letter from my Gp would be helpful?
What do you think?

I did ring my surgery to make an appointment to see my Gp but receptionist was reluctant to make an appointment for this reason only, as she said "oh they write to GP anyways"

I know that they probably do after they get the name of my GP on ESA50 but would a short letter from my Gp outlining my condition not be a help do you think?
Thank you,
John

HappyMJ

As they say they'll write to your GP anyway. There's no need to make a further appointment.

tomtontom

A detailed letter from your GP, detailing your condition and how it affects your day to day living, can speed up the process considerably. A basic statement of what your condition is won't do much at all. You are likely to have to pay for the former, whether that is a worthwhile investment depends on how thorough your doctor is.

rogerblack

'They'll write to your GP anyway' - this is very misleading.
They will write to your GP in very limited circumstances.
They do not write to your GP in the normal course of events - even if they are intending to find you fit.

johnsmi

rogerblack wrote: »

'They'll write to your GP anyway' - this is very misleading.
They will write to your GP in very limited circumstances.
They do not write to your GP in the normal course of events - even if they are intending to find you fit.

Thanks so much for replies.

I do have a copy of a letter from november 2011 from my then GP.
Is it pointless of me to send copy in since its over four years old?

Or just ask to see any GP in practice and get some sort of confirmation of the things I suffer from?

Thanks once again

John