Applying for support on Universal Credit if you're sick or disabled

If you’ve told the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) you can’t work because you’re sick or disabled, they’ll usually ask for more information.

They’ll use the information to decide if you:

• can’t work now, but can get ready to work in the future - called ‘limited capability for work’ (LCW)
• can’t work or get ready to work - called ‘limited capability for work-related activity’ (LCWRA)

In some situations, you’ll get LCW or LCWRA automatically - this means the DWP won’t ask you for more information.

Check how to tell the DWP you can’t work because you’re sick or disabled.

Showing you shouldn't have to work

If you don't have LCW or LCWRA automatically, you'll be sent a form to fill in, called a UC50. You might also need to go to a medical assessment. Based on your form and assessment the DWP will decide if you have LCW or LCWRA.

The decision should be based on what you can do on a typical day, not on what you can do on good or bad days. If your condition varies from day to day it's worth keeping a diary to show the DWP how you're affected.

If you have any aids, for example if you use a walking stick, you'll be assessed as if you're using them.

Filling in your UC50 form

You'll be sent a copy of the UC50 form after you tell the DWP about your disability or health condition. If you need another copy, you can download the UC50 from GOV.UK

You'll need to send the form back within 4 weeks - check the letter that came with the form for the exact date. Otherwise the DWP will decide you're fit for work. 

The UC50 form is your chance to tell the DWP how your illness or disability affects your ability to work. Try to explain why you shouldn't need to look for work as part of your Universal Credit claim.

You should also use the form to mention anything you'd need at a medical assessment. For example, if you need an interpreter, British Sign Language or Makaton signer, speech-to-text software or a deaf/blind manual, put this on the form.

You can talk to an adviser if you need help with the form. They can help you fill it in and explain everything to you in person.

You can also get help from your local disability support agency or local mental health charity.

Sending medical evidence

You can send medical evidence of your illness or disability with your UC50 form. Medical evidence can give the DWP a better idea of how your condition affects your ability to work.

It's best to send copies rather than originals, as you might need to show the same evidence again later. You should also staple your evidence to the form so the DWP don't lose it. Make sure you include your name and National Insurance number on every separate sheet of paper.

If your condition is diagnosed

You should send evidence that supports what you're saying on the form. You might already have it to hand - for example:

• a print-out of the medication you're on
• x-ray results
• scans
• a hospital discharge sheet
• an occupational therapist's care plan

You can ask your GP for copies of recent medical notes or letters from any specialists they have referred you to. You could also provide a letter from your partner or carer.

If you have problems with your mental health (such as depression), you should think about any documents or letters you have from people like:

• your community psychiatric nurse (CPN)
• counsellors
• a cognitive therapist
• social workers

If your condition is undiagnosed

You might not have a diagnosis if you have unexplained symptoms like stomach problems, tiredness or dizziness.

The form says "don't ask or pay for new information", but it's a good idea to see your doctor if you don't have anything to send. Ask them if they can give you a letter explaining your condition and how it affects your ability to work.

Some doctors might charge you for a letter or new report. If you can't afford this it's worth asking if they can give you copies of recent medical notes or letters from any specialists they've referred you to. You could also provide a letter from your partner or carer.

Sending the form back

The form will come with an addressed envelope - use this to send it to the DWP. Don't take it to the Jobcentre, as this could cause delays.

When you send the form, ask the Post Office for proof of postage. This is free, and will let you prove when you sent the form.

It's a good idea to keep a copy of your completed form. You can then take it with you to your assessment and use it to make sure that you don't forget anything you want to mention at your assessment.

Sending the form back late

You need to send the form back within 4 weeks. If you're late, you should still fill in the form and send it as soon as you can. The DWP might still accept it if you have a good reason for the form being late.

There's a box on page 3 where you can explain why you're sending the form back late. Include as much detail as you can about why the form's late, for example if you:

• didn't get the reminder letter - if this happens, check the DWP have your correct address
• have been in hospital
• were too ill
• had an emergency at home
• had a bereavement
• were out of the country

When you'll need a medical assessment

After you return your form, the DWP might ask you to go to a medical assessment called a 'work capability assessment'. They'll use the assessment and the form to decide if you should get LCW or LCWRA.

Find out what happens at the assessment and how to prepare for it.