PIP Applications Support Posted or Updated on 17 Jun 2025

Support with PIP (Personal Independence Payment) Applications

At The Panton practice, we recognise that applying for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) can be a challenging experience, especially for patients living with long-term health conditions or disabilities. These benefits are designed to promote independence, but the application process can often feel overwhelming.

We’re aware that patients sometimes ask their GP for a supporting letter to strengthen their application. However, producing such letters is not part of the GP’s NHS responsibilities, and due to the significant demands already placed on our clinicians, our policy is not to provide individual letters for PIP claims.

Instead, we advise patients to request a Summary Printout of their current medical conditions and treatments. This summary can be attached to your application and serves as useful background. It’s important to understand that PIP is assessed primarily on how your condition affects your daily functioning, not just the medical diagnosis. As such, the most valuable information often comes directly from you—describing how your condition impacts activities like moving around, preparing food, managing medication, or communicating.

If your claim is turned down and you decide to appeal, the case may be reviewed by an independent Tribunal. In some situations, the Tribunal may request a medical report from your GP. If that happens, we will respond. As this kind of report lies outside the NHS contract, it would need to be completed in the GP’s own time and would involve a fee, which is usually paid by the Tribunal—not the patient.

We hope this guidance helps clarify our approach. To help us manage our workload and maintain the quality of care we provide to all our patients, we ask that you do not request letters of support for PIP applications.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.