The Debt and Mental Health Evidence Form (DMHEF) is used to provide creditors with information about how a person’s mental health condition impacts their ability to manage debt. It allows health and social care professionals to support patients facing financial difficulties by verifying their health-related circumstances.
A range of professionals are eligible to complete the DMHEF, including:
General Practitioners (GPs)
Psychiatrists
Psychologists
Nurses
Social Workers
Occupational Therapists
This means that patients do not necessarily need a GP to complete the form; they can seek assistance from another qualified professional who is familiar with their condition.
Recent changes indicate that the completion of the DMHEF by GPs is now considered a non-chargeable service. However, it is crucial to understand that:
The British Medical Association (BMA) agreement on this matter is not a contractual obligation.
GPs are not mandated to complete these forms and have the right to refuse.
Patients should be advised that alternative professionals can complete the form if a GP declines to do so.
A GP does not have to complete the DMHEF. The British Medical Association agreement states that GPs should complete the form without charge, but this is not a contractual obligation to complete the form — it is only guidance.
Since it is not part of the GP contract to complete the form, GPs can decline if they choose. Patients should be advised that other healthcare professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, social workers, and occupational therapists, can also complete it.
If a GP does decide to complete the form, they are expected to do so without charge. This is a contractual obligation.
Obtain the Form – Patients can access the DMHEF from their debt advisor or an official source.
Find a Suitable Professional – They should approach a qualified health or social care professional who is familiar with their condition.
Form Completion – The professional will assess the patient’s situation and complete the form accordingly.
Submission – The completed form should be sent to the relevant creditors as supporting evidence.
Creditors receiving a completed DMHEF are expected to consider the information carefully and make reasonable adjustments in their debt management process. This could include:
Offering flexible repayment plans
Temporarily pausing collections
Providing additional financial support options
The DMHEF is designed to help individuals with mental health challenges manage their debt.
A variety of professionals, not just GPs, can complete the form.
GPs are not contractually obligated to complete the form and may refuse to do so.
Patients should explore alternative professionals for form completion when necessary.