When Do You Stop Sending Sick Notes Universal Credit

If you’re on Universal Credit and too unwell to work, you’ve probably been asked to send in sick notes (also called fit notes). But how long do you need to keep sending them? When can you stop? It’s one of the most common questions claimants have — and getting it wrong can affect your payments. Let’s break it all down in simple terms so you know exactly “when do you stop sending sick notes Universal Credit“, what to expect after your assessment, and how to keep your claim running smoothly.

What are Sick Notes for Universal Credit and Why are They Required?

When you report a health condition to Universal Credit (UC), the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) needs medical evidence to confirm you’re not currently fit for work. That’s where fit notes come in. They’re a short statement from a health professional explaining you’re “not fit for work” or “may be fit for work with adjustments.” UC uses these to understand your condition while they consider whether to send you for a Work Capability Assessment.

How does Universal Credit use sick notes to assess health conditions?

Your fit notes show Department for Work and Pension that you’re currently unfit for work. They use them to:

• Confirm your health condition is genuine and ongoing.

• Track how long you’ve been unwell.

• Decide if you need a Work Capability Assessment (WCA).

Essentially, sick notes help DWP understand your situation before they assess your ability to work.

What information should be included in a valid sick note for Universal Credit?

A proper fit note should include:

• Your name and date

• The date your illness or injury started

• How long you’re expected to be unfit for work

• The doctor’s name, signature, and professional details

Without these details, DWP might reject the note — delaying your claim.

Who can issue a sick note (fit note) in the UK?

Your fit note must come from a qualified medical professional, such as:

• A GP (General Practitioner)

• A hospital doctor

• Or, in some cases, a nurse, physiotherapist, or occupational therapist who’s part of your treatment team.

As of 2022, nurses and other healthcare professionals can legally issue fit notes — making it easier to keep your Universal Credit updated.

When Do you Stop Sending Sick Notes to Universal Credit?

At what point does the DWP stop asking for fit notes?

DWP normally stops asking for fit notes once a WCA decision is made and shown in your UC journal or decision letter. That decision places you in one of three positions:

• LCW (Limited Capability for Work)

• LCWRA (Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity)

• Fit for work

What happens after your Work Capability Assessment (WCA)?

After your assessment (questionnaire + medical assessment), DWP issues a decision:

• LCW: You’re not expected to work now, but you may be asked to prepare for work (e.g., training). Fit notes stop.

• LCWRA: You’re not expected to look for work or do work-related activity. Fit notes stop, and you may receive the LCWRA element (extra money) from the relevant assessment period.

• Fit for work: Your normal UC work-search duties resume, and fit notes stop unless a new change of circumstances is accepted.

Tip: Read your UC journal and decision letter carefully — that’s your confirmation to stop sending fit notes.

How long do you need to provide sick notes before a decision is made?

This varies, but on average, it takes 3 to 6 months for DWP to complete your assessment and make a decision. During that time, you’ll need continuous fit notes. If you miss one, your claim may be paused — so it’s worth marking reminder dates in your calendar.

Does the frequency of sick notes change after your assessment period?

Before your WCA decision, you follow the expiry dates on your fit notes (often every 4 to 8 weeks). After the WCA decision (LCW or LCWRA), DWP stops requesting them. If your condition changes later, DWP might ask for fresh evidence during a review — but that’s a new process, not a continuation of routine fit notes.

What Happens if you Stop Sending Sick Notes too Early?

Can Universal Credit payments stop if sick notes aren’t submitted?

Yes. If your fit note expires and you don’t send a new one before the WCA decision, DWP may treat it as if your health restriction has ended. That can lead to:

• A pause or reduction in your UC payment.

• Your work-related requirements switching back to standard duties.

• Messages in your journal asking for evidence or explaining changes.

You can usually recover from this by submitting a new fit note quickly and explaining the gap.

How do you restart payments if your claim is paused due to missing sick notes?

If your claim is paused:

1. Contact your Universal Credit journal immediately.

2. Explain why your fit note was late.

3. Upload or deliver your new fit note as soon as possible.

Once DWP receives it, your payments should resume — but it can take a few days to process.

What steps can you take if you can’t get a new sick note in time?

If your GP appointment is delayed:

• Message your Universal Credit work coach explaining the delay.

• Ask for a temporary extension.

• Provide your new fit note as soon as you can.

According to Citizens Advice, keeping DWP informed helps prevent sanctions or missed payments.

Do you Need to Keep Sending Sick Notes if you’re Found to have Limited Capability for Work (LCW) or Work-Related Activity (LCWRA)?

This depends on the outcome of your assessment.

What’s the difference between LCW and LCWRA under Universal Credit?

Do LCW claimants need to continue sending fit notes?

No. After an LCW decision, you can stop sending fit notes. Your responsibilities usually shift to lighter, supportive activities. Keep all your old fit notes and decision letters, because UC may review your case in the future and ask for medical evidence at that time.

Why don’t LCWRA claimants have to keep providing sick notes?

LCWRA means DWP accepts that your condition seriously limits your ability to work. So, they don’t need ongoing evidence from fit notes.

As benefits advisor Emma Clarke explains,

“Once the DWP accepts you have LCWRA, your fit notes have done their job — they’ve proven your ongoing health condition.”

What happens if your condition changes after you’ve been awarded LCW or LCWRA?

Report any change (better or worse) in your UC journal. DWP may:

• Ask for fresh medical evidence (letters, clinic notes, new fit notes).

• Reassess you with another WCA.

• Adjust your group (e.g., LCW → LCWRA, or vice versa).

If your health improves and you want to try work, ask about the Work Trial, Access to Work, or permitted work-style supports that reduce risk.

How Do Changes in your Health Condition Affect your Sick Note Requirements?

What should you do if your health improves?

If you feel ready to return to work:

• Tell your work coach via your journal.

• Discuss easing back in (reduced hours, adjustments).

• Stop sending fit notes and move to standard commitments.

A gentle restart can be safer with employer adjustments and Access to Work support for equipment, transport, or a support worker.

How to inform Universal Credit about worsening or fluctuating conditions?

Use your UC journal to report a change of circumstances and upload:

• A new fit note (if requested).

• Specialist letters or clinic summaries.

• A short timeline of flare-ups and impacts on daily tasks.

For fluctuating conditions, note frequency, duration, and severity of episodes — detail helps decision-makers understand real-world impact.

Can DWP ask for new medical evidence later on?

Yes. During a review or if you report a change, Department for Work and Pension can ask for updated medical evidence. That might include:

• Fresh fit notes,

• Consultant or therapist letters,

• Test results or treatment plans.

Keep your documents organised so you can respond quickly.

How Can you Track and Manage your Sick Notes Efficiently?

What’s the best way to upload or send fit notes online via your UC journal?

You can upload a clear photo or PDF of your fit note directly in your Universal Credit online journal. Always:

• Check it’s readable

• Include the date range

• Wait for a confirmation message from DWP

Can your GP send sick notes electronically to DWP?

Some GP practices issue electronic fit notes (e-fit notes) that you can download or receive by text/email. You still need to upload them to UC yourself in most cases. Ask your practice whether they can provide PDF copies on the same day to avoid delays.

How should you store and organize copies of your fit notes for records?

Create a simple system:

• A device folder named “UC Fit Notes” with files labelled YYYY-MM-DD_to_YYYY-MM-DD.pdf.

• A notes document listing issue dates, coverage dates, and upload dates.

• Keep related letters and reports together.
  If UC ever queries a gap, you can evidence exactly what you sent and when.

What if My Fit Note Says “May Be Fit For Work” — Does Universal Credit Treat that Differently?

A “may be fit for work” note suggests you could work with adjustments (e.g., reduced hours, home-working, altered duties). UC will still accept it as medical evidence that your ability to work is limited. You should:

• Upload the note and summarise any suggested adjustments.

• Discuss practical adjustments with your work coach.

• Continue providing fit notes until the WCA decision.
  The presence of adjustments doesn’t cancel your WCA referral; it simply informs what reasonable requirements UC sets in the meantime.

Can I Backdate a Sick Note for Universal Credit if I Had No Appointment?

Clinicians can back-date fit notes where clinically appropriate, especially if your condition plainly prevented work and you sought care as soon as reasonable. If you realise a gap is coming:

• Request an urgent call-back from your practice.

• Explain you need coverage from date X to date Y.

• Upload the back-dated note with a journal message.
  Back-dating isn’t guaranteed; it’s a clinical decision. The earlier you ask, the better.

How Do Hospital Stays and Specialist Clinics Affect Sick Notes for Universal Credit?

If you’re admitted or attending frequent clinics:

• Ask the hospital team for a fit note at discharge or between appointments.

• Keep clinic letters — they’re useful supporting evidence.

• If your condition changes (e.g., new diagnosis, surgery), tell UC promptly.
  Hospital notes often cover longer periods, which can make keeping continuous coverage easier.

What if I’m self-employed on Universal Credit — Do Sick Notes Work the Same?

Yes, the fit note process is the same, but your UC calculations may involve the Minimum Income Floor (MIF). If you’re too ill to work and provide continuous fit notes leading to LCW/LCWRA, UC can switch off the MIF, which may increase your entitlement. Keep clear records of reduced trading, cancellations, and medical appointments.

Conclusion

You stop sending sick notes when DWP has made and communicated your WCA decision. If you’re placed in LCW or LCWRA, routine fit notes end. If you’re found fit for work, fit notes also end unless you report a new change. Until the decision lands in your journal or letter, keep the fit notes flowing without gaps.

Key takeaways:

• Keep sending fit notes until DWP says otherwise.

• Always check your UC journal for updates.

• Ask Citizens Advice or Scope UK for help if unsure.

FAQs

What is the longest time a doctor can give a sick note for?

A doctor can issue a sick note for up to three months if your condition is long-term or stable.

Do you still get Universal Credit on sick pay?

Yes, but your Universal Credit may reduce depending on how much you earn from Statutory Sick Pay (SSP).

How many sick notes do you need for LCWRA?

You need to keep sending continuous sick notes until the DWP decides your LCWRA outcome — there’s no fixed number.

When do you stop sending sick notes to ESA?

You stop sending sick notes to Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) once you’re placed in the Support Group or a decision is made on your capability for work.

Universal Credit sick note mental health — how does it work?

If you’re off work due to a mental health condition, you send fit notes from your GP or psychiatrist just like for physical illnesses until your WCA decision is made.