You normally stop sending sick notes, officially known as fit notes, once the Department for Work and Pensions has sent you its decision following a Work Capability Assessment.
If the decision says you have Limited Capability for Work (LCW) or Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA), you do not normally need to provide any more fit notes.
Attending the assessment itself does not mean you should stop. You should continue getting fit notes and reporting their details until the DWP sends the formal decision.
If you are found fit for work, another fit note is generally required only if your health gets worse or you develop a new condition that limits your ability to work.
Last Updated: 19.08.2026
When Do You Stop Sending Sick Notes for Universal Credit?
The point at which you stop sending sick notes depends on where you are in the Universal Credit health assessment process.
If your condition affects your ability to work for more than seven days, you usually need a fit note. Where the condition continues for more than 28 days, you may be referred for a Work Capability Assessment.
Until the DWP sends its decision, you should keep your fit notes up to date.
The process can be summarised as follows:
| Situation | Fit Note Requirement |
| First 7 Days Of Illness | You can normally self-certify |
| More Than 7 Days | A fit note is normally required |
| Waiting For A WCA | Continue providing current fit notes |
| WCA Completed But No Decision | Continue providing fit notes |
| LCW Decision Received | Further fit notes are normally not required |
| LCWRA Decision Received | Further fit notes are normally not required |
| Found Fit For Work | A new fit note is needed only if your health worsens or a new condition affects your ability to work |
This distinction is important because completing a WCA and receiving a WCA decision are two separate stages. The requirement generally continues until the decision is sent.
What Is A Fit Note And Why Does Universal Credit Need One?
A fit note is medical evidence showing how a health condition affects your ability to work. It was traditionally called a sick note, although the official term is now a Statement of Fitness for Work.
For Universal Credit, the fit note helps the DWP understand that your health condition or disability affects your capability for work while it considers whether a Work Capability Assessment is necessary.
According to NHS guidance on getting a fit note, an authorised healthcare professional can issue one, including:
- Doctors
- Registered Nurses
- Pharmacists Working In GP Surgeries, Hospitals Or Clinics
- Physiotherapists
- Occupational Therapists
A fit note can be printed or digital. Universal Credit will ask you to provide details from the note through your online account.
A fit note does not itself decide whether you qualify for LCW or LCWRA. That decision is made through the Universal Credit health assessment process.
How Long Do You Need To Provide Fit Notes For Universal Credit?
You can generally self-certify for the first seven days that your health condition limits your ability to work. Medical evidence such as a fit note is normally required from the eighth day onwards.
If the condition continues, you should make sure there are no unnecessary gaps between fit notes while waiting for your assessment decision.
For example, if one fit note ends on 15 August and your condition still affects your capability to work, you should obtain another note to cover the continuing period rather than assuming the WCA process means medical evidence is no longer necessary.
The DWP says that claimants must continue getting fit notes and reporting their details until a WCA decision has been sent.
If other Universal Credit obligations are difficult to meet because of illness, there can also be circumstances where there are acceptable reasons for missing a Universal Credit appointment, although claimants should explain the situation through their journal as soon as possible.
What Happens After You Have Been Sick For 28 Days?
If a health condition or disability limits how much work you can do for longer than 28 days, the DWP may require you to have a Work Capability Assessment.
The assessment considers what activities you can and cannot reasonably carry out because of your condition. It is not based simply on the name of your diagnosis.
Before the assessment, most claimants are asked to complete a Capability for Work questionnaire called the WCA50.
The older term UC50 can still be found in historic articles and discussions, but GOV.UK changed its references to WCA50 in November 2025. The current version of the questionnaire was updated again in May 2026.
Claimants can submit relevant supporting evidence with the WCA50, such as:
- Treatment Plans
- Test Results
- Specialist Reports
- Other Relevant Medical Evidence
In some cases, the DWP may be able to make a decision based on the questionnaire and evidence without requiring a separate assessment appointment.
The DWP also states that a claimant might not get a WCA if they earn more than £881 a month, although this should not be treated as a blanket rule because individual circumstances can affect the process.
What Happens If Your Fit Note Expires Before Your WCA Decision?
If your fit note expires while you are waiting for a WCA decision and your condition still affects your capability to work, you should get another fit note.
The DWP says claimants should receive a reminder before an existing fit note expires. The reminder should include the date by which details of a replacement note need to be reported.
If you do not provide a new fit note, you may be asked to attend an appointment with your work coach to review your claimant commitment. You may also be expected to work or look for work depending on your circumstances.
Therefore, do not stop sending sick notes simply because:
- You Have Returned The WCA50
- You Have Attended Your Assessment
- Your Assessor Said The Appointment Was Complete
- You Think A Decision Will Arrive Soon
- Your Previous Fit Note Has Reached Its End Date
The safest point to stop is when the formal DWP decision confirms that you have LCW or LCWRA, or the DWP gives you different instructions.
What Happens After A Work Capability Assessment Decision?
A Work Capability Assessment can currently result in four stated outcomes.
If You Are Found Fit For Work
If the DWP decides that you are fit for work, you will normally be expected to meet work-related requirements agreed in your claimant commitment.
You do not need to continue getting fit notes solely because of the previous condition. However, GOV.UK says you should get and report a new fit note if your health worsens or you develop a new condition that restricts your ability to work.
If You Have Limited Capability For Work
LCW means the DWP accepts that your health affects your current ability to work, but you may be expected to take reasonable steps to prepare for work in the future.
These could include activities agreed with a work coach.
Once LCW has been formally awarded, you do not normally need to continue providing fit notes. Most newer LCW claims do not receive a separate additional Universal Credit amount. Extra LCW money mainly applies in specific older cases or certain ESA transitions.
If You Have Limited Capability For Work And Work-Related Activity
LCWRA means you are not required to work or undertake work-related preparation because of the effect of your health condition or disability.
Once you receive an LCWRA decision, further fit notes are normally unnecessary.
Claimants should also be aware that major Universal Credit LCWRA changes took effect in 2026, including changes to how the additional LCWRA amount is structured.
If You Have LCWRA And A Severe, Lifelong Health Condition
Current DWP guidance also separately identifies people who have LCWRA together with a severe, lifelong health condition.
The condition must meet specific requirements, including being diagnosed, lasting for life, not being expected to improve and preventing the person from working. People assessed under this category will not usually need another Work Capability Assessment.
What Changed To Universal Credit LCWRA And WCA Rules In 2026?
Several important changes mean older Universal Credit articles may no longer accurately describe the health assessment system.
From 6 April 2026, the LCWRA extra amount moved from one rate to two rates, a higher rate and a lower rate.
The rate depends on factors including:
- When The Health Condition Or Disability Was Declared
- Whether The Person Has A Severe, Lifelong Condition
- Whether The Person Is Nearing The End Of Life
- Certain Previous ESA Circumstances
People who were already receiving LCWRA before 6 April 2026 are protected under the higher-rate arrangements. Someone declaring a condition on or after that date will generally receive the lower rate if awarded LCWRA unless one of the conditions for the higher rate applies.
The official Universal Credit health and disability guidance also now uses WCA50 rather than UC50 and recognises the severe, lifelong condition outcome following a WCA.
These changes affect the amount and assessment structure, but the central fit-note rule remains straightforward. Claimants waiting for a WCA decision should normally continue to maintain medical evidence until the decision is sent.
What If You Cannot Get Another Fit Note In Time?
If your fit note is approaching its expiry date, contact the healthcare professional supporting your care as early as possible.
If you cannot obtain a replacement immediately, use your Universal Credit journal to explain what has happened rather than simply allowing the note to expire without contacting the DWP.
Citizens Advice notes that other forms of evidence, such as a hospital discharge letter, may sometimes be relevant, although this does not mean claimants should routinely replace fit notes with other documents.
Citizens Advice guidance for Universal Credit and ill health also recommends seeking advice if you cannot obtain a fit note.
Where illness has also caused you to miss contact with the Jobcentre or a scheduled appointment, explain the circumstances promptly rather than assuming that medical evidence automatically updates every part of the claim.
Do You Need Fit Notes When Moving From ESA To Universal Credit?
The rules can be different for people moving from ESA to Universal Credit.
You do not normally need to provide new fit notes or complete another WCA if all of the following apply:
- You Move From ESA To Universal Credit Without A Break
- You Have Already Completed A Work Capability Assessment
- You Were In The ESA Support Group Or Work-Related Activity Group When You Claimed Universal Credit
However, another assessment may be required if your existing WCA is due for review or your health condition changes.
If you were still providing medical evidence while claiming ESA before moving to Universal Credit, you may need to continue providing evidence until a new WCA decision is made.
Claimants receiving New Style ESA may also want to check how ESA and Universal Credit can be claimed together, as the interaction between the two benefits depends on individual circumstances.
The wider migration from legacy benefits also means some households are receiving DWP instructions to move onto Universal Credit. Information about DWP migration letters for legacy benefit claimants can be relevant where ESA is part of the existing award.
Can You Work While Providing Fit Notes For Universal Credit?
Yes. Working does not automatically prevent someone from reporting a health condition or being assessed for LCW or LCWRA.
GOV.UK confirms that a claimant can work if they feel able to or find suitable employment while receiving Universal Credit.
A fit note also does not necessarily mean that a person is completely unable to perform any work. A healthcare professional may state that someone is “not fit for work” or “may be fit for work” depending on their circumstances and the adjustments available.
People with LCW or LCWRA can also work if they feel able to do so. Their Universal Credit may still be affected by earnings under the normal Universal Credit calculation.
This is why returning to employment should not automatically be interpreted as a reason to close a health-related Universal Credit process. What matters is the claimant’s health, capability for work and current DWP decision.
Can You Stop Sending Fit Notes If Your Health Improves?
If your health improves and the condition no longer limits your capability for work, you should report the change to Universal Credit.
The same applies if:
- Your Condition Gets Worse
- You Develop A New Health Condition
- You Start A New Job
- Another Significant Change Affects Your Claim
These changes can be reported through the Universal Credit account. Failing to report a relevant change could result in receiving more or less Universal Credit than you should and may lead to an overpayment that has to be repaid.
Health-related changes can also interact with other disability benefits. For example, claimants receiving PIP should know when they need to tell Universal Credit about PIP rather than assuming the two benefit systems automatically update one another.
What Happens If You Stop Sending Sick Notes Too Early?
Stopping fit notes before the DWP has sent its WCA decision can affect the conditions attached to your Universal Credit claim.
If an existing fit note expires and you do not replace it, the DWP may ask you to meet your work coach and discuss your claimant commitment. Depending on your circumstances, you could then be expected to work or look for work.
For that reason, avoid treating any of the following as confirmation that fit notes can stop:
- Completing The WCA50
- Sending Medical Evidence
- Attending A Telephone Assessment
- Attending A Video Assessment
- Attending An In-Person Assessment
- Receiving An Informal Indication About The Likely Outcome
Wait for the actual DWP decision or specific instructions on your Universal Credit account.
Do You Need Fit Notes After An LCW Or LCWRA Review?
Once LCW or LCWRA has been awarded, GOV.UK states that you do not need to continue getting fit notes simply because you have that status.
However, circumstances can change.
The DWP may review capability for work again depending on the type of award and the claimant’s health. People assessed as having a severe, lifelong condition will not usually need another assessment, while other awards may still be reviewed.
If the DWP starts another assessment process, follow the instructions it gives about any medical evidence required rather than automatically assuming the original fit-note requirements have restarted.
What Should You Do If Universal Credit Keeps Asking For Fit Notes After A Decision?
If you have received a formal LCW or LCWRA decision but your Universal Credit account continues asking for fit-note information, check the wording and date of the decision first.
You can then:
- Check Your Universal Credit Journal For New Messages
- Confirm That The WCA Decision Has Been Recorded
- Send A Journal Message Explaining That LCW Or LCWRA Has Been Awarded
- Ask Your Work Coach To Check Your Current Health Status On The Claim
- Keep A Copy Of The Decision For Your Records
Do not ignore automated requests without checking them. There could be a delay in updating the claim or the message could relate to a different health-reporting period.
Universal Credit Fit Note Checklist
To reduce the risk of gaps during the Universal Credit health process:
- Report Your Health Condition Or Disability Promptly
- Self-Certify For The First Seven Days Where Appropriate
- Obtain A Fit Note From Day Eight If The Condition Continues
- Report The Fit Note Details Through Your Universal Credit Account
- Replace An Expired Fit Note If Your Condition Still Affects Your Capability To Work
- Complete The WCA50 When The DWP Sends It
- Provide Relevant Supporting Medical Evidence
- Attend The Assessment If One Is Required
- Continue Providing Fit Notes Until The Formal WCA Decision Arrives
- Report Any Significant Change In Your Health Or Circumstances
Conclusion
You normally stop sending sick notes for Universal Credit once the DWP sends a formal Work Capability Assessment decision confirming LCW or LCWRA. Simply completing the WCA50 or attending an assessment is not enough to end the requirement.
Until the decision arrives, keep fit notes current where your condition continues to affect your ability to work and follow instructions in your Universal Credit account.
If your health later worsens, you develop another condition or your circumstances change, report the change promptly because a new period of medical evidence may be required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Stop Sending Fit Notes After My Work Capability Assessment?
Not immediately. You should normally continue getting fit notes until the DWP sends you the formal WCA decision. Attending the assessment does not itself end the requirement.
Do I Need Fit Notes After I Get LCWRA?
Normally, no. Current DWP guidance states that people awarded LCW or LCWRA do not need to get further fit notes after the decision.
What Happens If My Universal Credit Fit Note Expires?
If your condition still affects your capability to work, obtain a replacement fit note. If you do not provide another one, you may need to discuss your claimant commitment with your work coach and could be expected to work or look for work.
Can A Fit Note Be Backdated For Universal Credit?
A healthcare professional decides the period a fit note covers based on their clinical assessment.
If there is already a gap in your Universal Credit medical evidence, contact the DWP through your journal and explain the circumstances rather than assuming a replacement note will automatically resolve the gap.
Can A Private Healthcare Professional Issue A Fit Note For Universal Credit?
A fit note must be issued by an authorised healthcare professional. Doctors, registered nurses, pharmacists in appropriate healthcare settings, occupational therapists and physiotherapists can issue fit notes.
If you are unsure whether a particular document will be accepted for your Universal Credit claim, check with the DWP before relying on it.
Can I Work While Sending Fit Notes To Universal Credit?
Yes. Reporting a health condition or providing fit notes does not automatically prevent you from working. Universal Credit allows people to work where they feel able to or can find suitable employment.
What Happens If I Am Found Fit For Work But I Am Still Unwell?
If you are found fit for work, you normally stop providing fit notes for the condition covered by that assessment. If your health later becomes worse or you develop a new condition that limits your ability to work, GOV.UK says you should get and report a new fit note.
How Do I Know When The DWP Has Made My WCA Decision?
The DWP will send you its decision after the Work Capability Assessment process. Until that formal decision has been sent, continue providing fit notes where required rather than relying on the fact that the assessment appointment has already taken place.
