When I first applied for Universal Credit because of my ongoing health issues, one question kept coming to mind: “How long do I need to keep sending sick notes?”
It’s not always obvious, and yet, getting it wrong can affect your income or even lead to sanctions. I found myself anxiously checking my Universal Credit journal, unsure if I was doing everything right.
Here’s what I’ve learned along the way:
- The DWP has officially confirmed your WCA outcome
- You’ve returned to work or feel well enough to start working
- You’re no longer receiving Universal Credit
Understanding when to stop isn’t just a convenience; it’s vital for keeping your claim on track. This guide breaks down everything you need to know, clearly and professionally.
What Is a Sick Note and Why Does Universal Credit Require It?
A sick note, now officially known as a fit note, is a written statement from a registered medical professional, such as a GP or hospital doctor. It confirms that you are currently unfit for work due to illness or disability. For those claiming Universal Credit because of a health condition, the sick note acts as critical medical evidence for the DWP.
Universal Credit requires fit notes because they:
- Confirm the presence and duration of a health condition
- Justify a temporary exemption from job-seeking requirements
- Support eligibility for additional payments linked to Limited Capability for Work (LCW) or Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA)
Without continuous fit notes during assessment periods, your claim can be delayed or even paused. These documents are essential to show that your condition is ongoing and valid.
When Do You Start and Stop Sending Sick Notes to Universal Credit?
The timing of fit note submission plays a central role in how the DWP assesses your condition. Understanding when to start and stop submitting them ensures you remain compliant and avoid unnecessary payment issues.
You Must Start Sending Fit Notes When
- Your health condition affects your ability to work for more than 7 days
- You have informed the DWP through your UC journal or by phone
- You’re awaiting a Work Capability Assessment (WCA) decision
You Can Stop Sending Fit Notes When
- You’ve received written confirmation of your WCA decision placing you in LCW or LCWRA
- Your health improves, and you inform the DWP of the change
- You’re no longer claiming Universal Credit
A benefits advisor on Scope’s forum put it simply:
“Don’t stop sending them just because the assessment is over. Wait for the letter or journal entry confirming your outcome. That’s your green light.”
Many claimants mistakenly assume that the assessment appointment itself marks the end of their obligation. But the reality is, you must wait for a clear decision from the DWP.
How Long Do You Need to Keep Sending Sick Notes?
This is the most crucial part of the process, and the most misunderstood. You are required to keep submitting fit notes until the DWP makes and communicates a WCA decision.
Here’s what happens during the assessment phase:
| Stage | Fit Note Required? | Notes |
| First 7 days of illness | No | Self-certification allowed |
| Day 8 onwards (before WCA) | Yes | Submit continuous fit notes |
| After LCW or LCWRA decision | No | Fit notes no longer required |
| After “fit for work” decision | No (unless condition worsens again) | Standard work requirements resume |
It typically takes 8–12 weeks for a WCA to be processed. During this time, missing a fit note could lead to a paused claim, so always ensure you have another note ready before the current one expires.
How the Work Capability Assessment Affects Sick Note Requirements?
The Work Capability Assessment (WCA) is a formal process used by the DWP to determine how your condition affects your ability to work or prepare for work. Until the outcome is confirmed, sick notes must continue.
The Three Possible WCA Outcomes
| WCA Outcome | What It Means | Do You Need Sick Notes After? |
| Fit for work | You’re considered able to work | No (unless a new condition arises) |
| LCW – Limited Capability for Work | Not fit to work now but may be in the future | No |
| LCWRA – Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity | You’re not expected to work or prepare for it | No |
Timeline and What to Expect
Once you’ve submitted enough medical evidence, the DWP initiates the WCA.
Here’s what typically follows:
- You fill out a UC50 questionnaire, detailing how your condition affects you
- A health professional conducts a phone, video, or face-to-face assessment
- The DWP uses this information to issue a decision, usually posted in your Universal Credit journal
Until that decision is clearly communicated, fit notes must be submitted continually, even if the assessment has already taken place.
What Happens If You Stop Too Early?
Pausing sick note submissions prematurely could result in:
- A suspension of your UC payments
- The DWP is assigning you work-related requirements again
- Confusion or delays in finalising your claim
“I assumed after my WCA call, I was done with notes. A week later, my payment was slashed because they thought I was fit again,” said Dean, a claimant from Leeds.
What Triggers the End of Sick Note Submissions to Universal Credit?
The need to submit fit notes to Universal Credit usually ends when the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has made a formal decision regarding your work capability. This decision typically follows a Work Capability Assessment (WCA) and will be recorded in your Universal Credit journal or sent via an official letter.
The key triggers that allow you to stop sending sick notes are:
- A confirmed WCA outcome placing you in the LCW or LCWRA group.
- Confirmation from your work coach that fit notes are no longer required.
- You’ve returned to work and reported your improved health to the DWP.
- You stop claiming Universal Credit altogether due to changes in income or circumstances.
Always wait for written confirmation from the DWP before stopping sick note submissions.
Do You Need to Keep Sending Sick Notes After a WCA?
In most cases, you do not need to keep sending sick notes once your Work Capability Assessment (WCA) decision has been made and officially confirmed by the DWP. The requirement for fit notes depends entirely on the outcome of your assessment.
If you are found to have Limited Capability for Work (LCW), you are not required to look for work, although you may still need to attend work-focused training or preparation activities. Fit notes are no longer needed.
If your outcome is Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA), you are fully exempt from all work-related requirements, and fit notes are not required at all. If you are found fit for work, you return to normal Universal Credit conditions, and fit notes are only needed if a new health issue arises.
However, until the DWP formally notifies you of the decision, you must continue providing fit notes without any gaps. Never assume the process is complete based on time alone.
How Should You Submit Sick Notes to Universal Credit?
Submitting fit notes correctly is crucial to ensuring your Universal Credit payments continue without disruption. The preferred method is through your online Universal Credit journal.
Here’s how to do it:
- Scan or photograph your fit note clearly. Ensure all text is legible.
- Log in to your Universal Credit account and go to your journal.
- Upload the file and include a message stating the fit note’s date range.
- Wait for acknowledgement from your work coach or a system confirmation.
If you’re given a paper copy, scan or take a high-quality photo. If your GP provides an electronic fit note (e-note), download it and upload it as a PDF.
Also, keep a digital folder with copies of all fit notes submitted, label each file by date (e.g., fitnote_2026-02-01_to_2026-03-01.pdf). This helps you stay organised and quickly respond if the DWP queries any evidence.
What If Your Sick Note Expires Before a Decision Is Made?
When you’re waiting for a Work Capability Assessment (WCA) decision, it’s vital that your fit notes remain continuous and up to date. If your current fit note expires before a decision is made, you are still responsible for providing a new one without delay.
Failure to do so can lead to:
- Payment delays or suspensions
- Reinstatement of job-seeking requirements
- Potential reassessments or interviews
Tips to Stay on Track:
- Set reminders a few days before the expiry date
- Pre-book your next GP appointment where possible
- Use your UC journal to explain delays and provide interim evidence
“My fit note expired midweek. I uploaded my hospital letter and let my work coach know. They were fine with it no interruption in payments.” – UC claimant, Facebook Support Group
If you’re hospitalised or attending regular specialist clinics, medical letters from these services can also be accepted temporarily until your GP can provide an updated fit note.
What If Your Health Improves Before a Decision Is Reached?
Sometimes, your health may improve before the DWP reaches a decision on your Work Capability Assessment. When this happens, it’s natural to feel ready to return to work and to question whether you should continue submitting fit notes.
The most important step is to keep the DWP informed. Update your Universal Credit journal to let your work coach know that your condition has improved and that you feel able to work again. Do not stop sending fit notes until your return-to-work status has been formally confirmed.
You can also ask about:
- Light duties or a phased return
- Access to Work support to ease the transition
As one UC claimant shared, a clear discussion with a work coach helped reduce commitments gradually. Clear, documented communication is essential; never assume anything without official confirmation.
How Does Mental Health Affect Sick Note Requirements?
Mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, or chronic stress are just as valid as physical health conditions when it comes to Universal Credit. You are entitled to submit fit notes for mental health issues, and they are treated with equal importance.
What strengthens your claim:
- Fit notes clearly stating your mental health diagnosis
- Additional documentation from psychiatrists, therapists, or mental health nurses
- Evidence of how your condition impacts daily tasks or social interactions
Some people hesitate to submit fit notes for mental health due to stigma or fear of being disbelieved. However, the DWP has guidance in place to ensure these claims are evaluated fairly.
“I included a support letter from my therapist, and it helped the DWP understand how my depression affects my life, not just my work.” – Anonymous, Scope Forum
Your mental health is just as important; don’t downplay it when applying for support.
Do Self-Employed People Need to Send Sick Notes to Universal Credit?
Yes, self-employed claimants are equally required to submit fit notes if their health limits their ability to work. The key difference lies in how Universal Credit calculates your payments under the Minimum Income Floor (MIF).
If you’re found to have Limited Capability for Work (LCW) or LCWRA, the DWP may suspend the MIF, which can increase your Universal Credit amount.
What You Should Track:
- Decline in earnings due to illness
- Cancelled jobs or services
- Client messages explaining your unavailability
- Medical appointments and treatments
It’s important to provide accurate records and maintain open communication with your work coach.
Being self-employed doesn’t exclude you from getting the help you need; the process just needs slightly more documentation.
What Other Benefits Can Support You Alongside Universal Credit?
If you’re receiving Universal Credit due to illness or disability, you may also be entitled to additional benefits that provide extra financial and practical support.
For example, New Style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) is available if you’ve made sufficient National Insurance contributions. Personal Independence Payment (PIP) helps cover the extra costs of living with a long-term condition. You may also be eligible for NHS health cost assistance, including prescriptions, dental, and eye care.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Benefit | What It Covers | Eligibility |
| ESA (New Style) | Regular payments for limited work capacity | National Insurance record |
| PIP | Daily living & mobility costs | Health condition for 3+ months |
| SDP | Extra money for severe disability | Certain legacy benefit claimants |
| NHS Help | Medical costs (e.g. prescriptions) | Low income or UC recipient |
These benefits can significantly improve your overall financial stability.
Conclusion
The process of stopping fit notes for Universal Credit isn’t just about how you feel, it’s about formal procedures and timing. You must keep sending them until the DWP tells you otherwise, or until you stop claiming UC.
Here’s what you should always keep in mind:
- Don’t stop fit notes until you receive a WCA decision
- Keep clear records and evidence for all uploads
- Use your journal and work coach as your main communication tools
Staying proactive and informed helps you avoid delays, overpayments, or unexpected reviews. If ever in doubt, reach out to a benefits advisor or a reliable support organisation.
FAQs
What happens if I forget to submit my fit note on time?
Your payments might be paused. Send the note as soon as possible and update your UC journal with an explanation.
Do I need sick notes after my Work Capability Assessment?
Yes, until you receive the official decision, you must keep submitting them.
Can a hospital discharge letter replace a fit note?
Yes, as long as it has dates, a medical explanation, and your details are clearly stated.
How often should I get a new fit note?
Typically, every 4 to 8 weeks, depending on your GP’s guidance.
Can GPs backdate sick notes?
Yes, if they believe it’s medically appropriate. Request it as early as possible.
What if my fit note says “may be fit for work”?
You should still submit it. The DWP will use it to assess possible work adjustments.
Are fit notes required for mental health conditions?
Yes, mental health conditions are treated the same as physical ones when assessing your capability for work.
