Migration From ESA (wrag) to Universal Credit - Fit Note Required

RachyRoo72

Hi,

I am going through the process of migrating from ESA to Universal Credit.

I am in the work related activity group, but I am also a carer for my elderly mother, and receive carer's allowance.

I sent off my Work Capability Assessment ESA50 forms back in September last year, and have not heard anything from the DWP since. I therefore assumed that I did not need a face to face assessment because the answers I had provided in the form were sufficient.

Then today, I received this message in my UC journal :-

"When you applied for Universal Credit we told you that you did not need to provide a fit note. We have since found that you have not yet had a Work Capability Assessment outcome for your health condition. A Work Capability Assessment is something we refer you for when you have an ongoing health condition that restricts your ability to work."

Firstly, as I sent my WCA form back in September 2024, and it's now June 2025, would it take them this long to process my forms?

And secondly, they said I will need to provide a fit note from my GP. If I do not provide a fit note, or a good reason for failing to do so, they will consider me to be capable for work.

I have requested a self certified fit note on my GP's website, and am waiting for a response. I will need to get an appointment with my GP to ask for repeat fit notes until I have a Work Capability Assessment, but getting appointments with a GP is like getting blood from a stone. Even telephone appointments have to be booked weeks in advance, unless it is an emergency.

I live with, and care for my elderly mother, even if my own health condition were to permit it, I wouldn't be able to look for work as my Mother cannot be left to fend for herself, and is not safe to be left alone.

I was under the impression that if I receive Carer's Allowance, I would not be required to look for employment.

I already suffer from an anxiety and panic disorder, this is making me so stressed out, on top of all my other worries with my Mother's health. I feel like I'm being constantly bombarded with stress and I don't know which way to turn.

I'm on the verge of tears as I'm typing this.

Has anyone else had to go through this?