Housing letters and letters of support

Housing letters and letters of support

Some tasks, such as letters for housing or benefits, fall outside our NHS contract. We may agree to complete these, but they are private services and you will incur a fee. Occasionally, the GP may decline to do them because our first priority is NHS care. Fees follow British Medical Association and are reviewed annually.

How to Make a Request

  1. Email or post your request – Tell us what you need and include any forms.
  2. We’ll get in touch – Our staff will confirm if the GP can help and tell you the fee before any work starts.
  3. Payment and timing – Once you pay (card or bank transfer), we aim to complete the work within 28 working days. If it will take longer (e.g. holidays or large requests), we’ll let you know.
  4. Secure delivery – When ready, we’ll send your document via encrypted email. If you need help accessing the email, please see our guide.
  5. Help with payments – Payment is usually required in advance. If you have questions, please ask to speak to Reception

🚫 Please don’t call or email repeatedly while we’re processing your request. We need to keep our phone lines free for patients who are unwell. If it’s been more than 28 working days since you paid, feel free to contact us.

🏠 GP Letters for Housing or Benefits

  • Limited impact: GP letters rarely change housing or benefit decisions. Councils use their own forms and will contact us directly if they need medical evidence
  • Not always reliable: Research shows that ad‑hoc GP reports can miss social details or overemphasise minor problems, which may unfairly disadvantage or advantage applicants
  • Administrative burden: Writing non‑NHS letters takes time away from patient care

Our Policy

We do not routinely provide letters of support or letters for housing or benefits. Instead:

  • Complete the council’s medical evidence form yourself.
  • If the council needs more information, they will contact us directly with your consent
  • Download a copy of your records from the NHS app. If you cant request a copy of your records.
  • We only provide factual information (diagnosis, medication, etc.) and do not offer opinions on suitability for housing.

This approach keeps the process fair and lets us focus on your healthcare.