Strong evidence is the difference between a successful PIP claim and a disappointing refusal. Here’s exactly what to gather and how to present it.
Read more: See our Pip guide for a complete overview of this topic.
Types of Evidence
| Type | What It Is | How Important |
|---|---|---|
| Medical evidence | GP/specialist letters, reports, test results | Essential |
| Your PIP2 form | Your own description of difficulties | Essential |
| Supporting statements | Letters from carers, family, support workers | Very helpful |
| Appointment records | Hospital appointments, therapy sessions | Helpful |
| Aids and adaptations | List of equipment you use | Helpful |
| Photographs/videos | Visual evidence of difficulties (optional) | Sometimes helpful |
Medical Evidence
From Your GP
Ask your GP for a letter that covers:
- All relevant diagnoses
- How long you’ve had each condition
- Current medications and side effects
- How conditions affect your daily activities (reference specific PIP activities if possible)
- Treatment you’ve received and prognosis
- Any referrals made
Template request to give your GP:
I am applying for PIP and would appreciate a supporting letter covering: my diagnoses, how my conditions affect my ability to prepare food, wash and bathe, dress, manage medication, and move around. Please also mention any aids I use and the impact of medication side effects. I’m happy to pay for this letter.
Cost: GPs may charge £20-50 for a PIP letter. This is not an NHS service, so charges are normal.
From Specialists and Consultants
| Specialist | What to Request |
|---|---|
| Rheumatologist | Disease activity, functional limitations, treatment |
| Psychiatrist | Diagnosis, symptom severity, functional impact |
| Neurologist | Condition progression, cognitive and physical impact |
| Pain consultant | Pain levels, treatment plan, functional limitations |
| Orthopaedic surgeon | Joint function, post-operative limitations, walking ability |
| CPN/mental health nurse | Day-to-day mental health impact, support needed |
| Occupational therapist | Functional assessment, aids provided, home adaptations |
| Physiotherapist | Mobility assessment, range of motion, exercise needs |
What Makes Medical Evidence Effective
Weak evidence:
“Patient has fibromyalgia. Attends clinic regularly.”
Strong evidence:
“Patient has severe fibromyalgia affecting all four limbs. She reports being unable to prepare food on most days due to fatigue and hand pain, requiring assistance from her partner. She can walk approximately 30 metres before needing to rest due to widespread pain and exhaustion. Her condition is unlikely to improve significantly. I consider her unable to perform most daily activities independently and reliably.”
The difference: strong evidence links the condition to specific functional limitations relevant to PIP descriptors.
Your PIP2 Form (How Your Disability Affects You)
The PIP2 is the most important document in your claim. For each activity:
What to Include
| Element | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| What you can’t do | Directly shows limitation |
| What you need help with | Shows dependency |
| How often | Shows consistency (most days = stronger) |
| What happens on bad days | Shows variability |
| Time taken | Slower than normal = not reliable |
| Consequences of unaided attempts | Burns, falls, errors = safety risk |
| Aids used | Scores at least 2 points per activity |
Writing Tips
- Use the first person: “I cannot…” not “People with my condition…”
- Be specific: “I can walk about 30 metres to my front gate before the pain forces me to stop” not “I find walking difficult”
- Describe worst days: “On approximately 4 days out of 7, I cannot get out of bed before 11am due to fatigue and stiffness”
- Include consequences: “Last month I fell in the shower because my legs gave way. My partner found me on the bathroom floor.”
- Mention aids: “I use a shower seat, grab rails, a perching stool in the kitchen, and a walking stick outdoors”
Supporting Statements
Who Can Write One
- Partner/spouse
- Parent, sibling, adult child
- Friend who visits regularly
- Carer (paid or unpaid)
- Support worker
- Social worker
- Neighbour who helps you
What to Include
The person should describe:
- Their relationship to you and how often they see you
- Specific help they provide (cooking, washing, dressing, shopping, mobility)
- How often they provide this help
- What happens when they can’t provide the help
- Changes they’ve noticed over time
- How your condition varies day to day
Template Structure
I am [name], [relationship] to [your name]. I see them [frequency].
On a typical day, I help with: [list specific activities].
For example, [specific examples of help provided: “I help them get dressed every morning because they cannot bend to put on shoes or socks. I also prepare all meals because they cannot stand at the cooker for more than 2 minutes.”]
On bad days (approximately [X] days per week), [description of worst-case help needed].
Without my help, I believe [your name] would [consequence: “be unable to eat properly, maintain hygiene, or leave the house”].
Other Evidence
Appointment Records
NHS appointment letters, hospital admission records, and clinic attendance logs show the severity and ongoing nature of your conditions.
Medication List
A current prescription list (available from your pharmacy or GP) objectively shows the number and type of conditions being treated.
Care and Support Records
If you have a local authority care assessment, social services care plan, or direct payment for care, include copies.
Equipment and Aids
List everything you use: walking sticks, wheelchairs, shower seats, grab rails, adapted cutlery, stocking aids, jar openers, mobility scooters.
Evidence Timeline
| Stage | Evidence Action |
|---|---|
| Before claiming | Start gathering evidence — GP letter, specialist reports |
| Completing PIP2 | Use evidence to support your answers, reference attached documents |
| Before assessment | Bring copies of all evidence to the assessment |
| Mandatory Reconsideration | Submit new or additional evidence addressing the specific points scored wrongly |
| Tribunal appeal | Submit comprehensive evidence bundle including new reports if possible |
Common Mistakes
| Mistake | What to Do Instead |
|---|---|
| Only submitting the PIP2, no medical evidence | Always include at least a GP letter |
| Vague medical letters | Ask for specific functional impact details |
| Describing good days | Focus on typical/bad days |
| Not mentioning mental health | Include all conditions, not just physical |
| Waiting for DWP to request evidence | Submit your own — faster and more detailed |
| Not keeping copies | Keep copies of everything you submit |