Do I need a sick note for Universal Credit?

For people on Universal Credit who are too ill to work or look for work.

Applies to: England, Scotland, Wales Last checked against official sources: 6 October 2026

You need a fit note (sick note) if your health condition or disability affects your ability to work for longer than 7 days.

For the first 7 days you can self-certify, so no fit note is needed.
A GP, hospital doctor, registered nurse, occupational therapist, pharmacist or physiotherapist can give one.
Add the fit note details in your Universal Credit account.
Keep sending new fit notes until you get your assessment decision.

Different in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland

Rules may be different in:

Northern Ireland: Check nidirect for Northern Ireland

Key facts

Needed after 7 days off sick
Self-certify the first 7 days
Add it in your online account
Keep sending until a decision

Why the fit note matters

A fit note tells DWP that your health affects what work you can do. It does three things:

your work coach takes your health into account when setting your claimant commitment
you may then be asked to have a Work Capability Assessment (WCA)
it can lead to extra money if you are found to have limited capability for work

Step by step

Days 1 to 7: you can self-certify. You do not need medical evidence.
After 7 days: get a fit note. It can be printed or digital.
Add it to your account: update your Universal Credit account with the fit note details.
Before it expires: you will get a reminder. If you are still unwell, get a new fit note.
The assessment: you may be sent a Capability for Work questionnaire (the WCA50). Then you may have a WCA.
The decision: keep sending fit notes until you get the decision.

Who can give you a fit note

a GP or hospital doctor
a registered nurse
an occupational therapist
a pharmacist
a physiotherapist

What the assessment decides

After a WCA you will be told one of these:

Decision	What it means
Fit for work	You are expected to look for work
Limited capability for work (LCW)	You need to prepare for work in future
Limited capability for work and work-related activity (LCWRA)	You can get the extra LCWRA amount
LCWRA with a severe, lifelong condition	You can get the LCWRA amount at the higher rate

If you have LCW or LCWRA, you do not need to send any more fit notes.

How much extra you could get (2026/27)

The extra money is called the LCWRA element. It is paid each month.

Situation	Monthly amount
Higher rate (for example, you told DWP about your condition before 6 April 2026, or you meet the severe conditions criteria, or you are terminally ill)	£429.80
Lower rate (most new health claims from 6 April 2026)	£217.26

The extra money usually starts 3 monthly assessment periods after you first sent medical evidence, such as a fit note.

If a medical professional has said you may have 12 months or less to live, you usually do not need a WCA.

If you do not send a fit note

If your fit note runs out and you do not get a new one, you may be expected to work or look for work. You may also be asked to see your work coach about your claimant commitment.

If you live in Northern Ireland

Universal Credit there is run by the Department for Communities. Check nidirect for how to send fit notes.

Related guides

Where this comes from

Get it done

This takes you to the official service, which is free to use.

Report a health condition

Common questions

What happens if my fit note runs out?

If you are still unwell you must get a new one. If you do not, you may be expected to work or look for work.

When does the extra health money start?

Usually 3 monthly assessment periods after you started sending medical evidence such as fit notes.

Do I need fit notes after my assessment?

If you are found to have LCW or LCWRA, you do not need to send any more fit notes.

Official sources

1.Health conditions, disability and Universal Credit: report your health conditionwww.gov.uk/health-conditions-disability-universal-credit/report-health-condition-disability
2.Universal Credit if you have a disability or health condition (DWP guide)www.gov.uk/government/publications/universal-credit-if-you-have-a-disability-or-health-condition-quick-guide/universal-credit-if-you-have-a-disability-or-health-condition
3.Benefit and pension rates 2026 to 2027 (DWP)www.gov.uk/government/publications/benefit-and-pension-rates-2026-to-2027/proposed-benefit-and-pension-rates-2026-to-2027

Checked against GOV.UK on 6 October 2026

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