Proof of Address Letters

We often receive requests from patients asking for proof of address letters to support applications for Universal Credit, bank accounts, or other services. However, we regret to inform you GP practices are not required or obligated to provide these letters, and here’s why:

• Not a Legal Authority
  GP practices are not officially recognised by banks, government departments, or other organisations as a source for verifying a person’s residential address.
• Clinical Use of Records
  The address information we hold is used solely for clinical and communication purposes. It may not always reflect your most current or official residence.
• Risk of Misuse
  Issuing address verification from a medical practice may inadvertently enable fraud or the misuse of information
• Administrive Burden
  GP surgeries are responsible for providing medical care, not administrative documentation for non-medical purposes.  Issuing proof of address letters falls outside of our NHS contract and takes valuable time away from essential patient care.
• Alternative ways to verify your address exist
  There are already established processes in place for verifying your identity and address through government departments, banks, and support organisations.  These institutions have their own guidelines for proof of address that do not require GP involvement.

Alternative Solutions for Proof of Address

If you are struggling to provide proof of address, there are alternative options available, we advise using one of the following accepted forms of documentation:

• A recent utility bill (gas, electricity, water)
• Council tax bills
• Bank Statement
• Tenancy agreement
• Letters from a government department (DWP, HMRC)

We appreciate your understanding and encourage you to seek support from the appropriate agencies to ensure your needs are met efficiently.