For GPs and other health professionals
If you’ve received a request to provide medical evidence
We have been appointed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to perform independent assessments for people claiming Universal Credit (UC), Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and other benefits. We are best placed to deliver this high-quality service when we work closely with health professionals like you. This means making sure our health professionals have access to timely and accurate medical evidence on the people we assess.
If you have received a request from us to provide further medical evidence, this means we need more information about your patient to help us complete an assessment on their behalf.
We understand that providing medical evidence can feel like an extra pressure, but it is only requested when we believe it will help inform the assessment report we produce for DWP. In some cases, this may mean we don’t need to invite your patient to attend an assessment.
The type of information to include
We need to understand how an illness or disability affects a person’s daily life. Clarification of diagnosis and treatment can be helpful, but it is especially important for us to understand the physical, mental and cognitive abilities of every individual we assess.
Our reports require evidence based on clinical facts. If you would like to offer your opinion, please make sure it is supported by clinical evidence.
Other relevant information can be helpful, for example:
- Letters from hospitals, GPs or specialists (non-appointment letters only)
- X-ray, ultrasound or scan results
- Diagnostic reports (for example, autism)
- Special Educational Needs reports
- Prescriptions, Occupational Therapy reports or letters
- Summary of conditions
- Letters from specialists (for example, Macmillan Cancer Support)
- Carer’s assessment
- Social Worker assessment
- Care plans
- Psychiatrist or CPN report
- Evidence from support workers
If your patient has a mental health condition
We need to understand a person’s ability to interact with other people in a work environment, along with any difficulties they may have with giving an accurate account of their abilities. We also need to know if there is a self-harm risk or any evidence of anti-social behaviour.
If your patient has a learning disability
We need information about your patient’s ability to interact with other people and undertake work-related activity. You may have information from other health and social care professionals which would be helpful.
The more information you can provide, the more it will contribute to an accurate outcome for your patient. Your contribution may mean there is no need for your patient to attend an assessment.
You can find out more about the benefits we assess using the top navigation bar on this website.
About the Health Assessment Advisory Service
The Health Assessment Advisory Service arranges and carries out assessments for DWP. The purpose of the assessment is to understand how an illness or disability affects a person’s daily life. After the assessment, DWP makes the decision whether the individual will receive any benefits. The Health Assessment Advisory Service is delivered in Northern England and Scotland by Maximus on behalf of DWP.
More information
Further guidance for health professionals who undertake Work Capability Assessments on behalf of DWP is available in this guide.
Dedicated medical enquiry lines are also available. Please call 0800 072 0172 for PIP enquiries, and 0800 072 0178 for UC or ESA enquiries.