Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether welfare claimants receive refunds for postage and other costs incurred in obtaining a doctor's certificate as required by his Department and ensuring its safe transmission by post.

For DWP purposes a statement of fitness for work (SOFFW) can be obtained from a GP at no cost to the claimant.

DWP does not refund postage or other costs associated with obtaining a SOFFW. Claimants are notified when making a claim that there is a requirement to supply a SOFFW to meet the ESA entitlement conditions. To support this DWP provides options for postage, either a Freepost Licence code or a pre-paid envelope at no cost to the claimant. These are handled by Royal Mail and subject to their governance and safeguarding arrangements.