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?

Holly_Scope

Hi @RachyRoo72 I'm really sorry you haven't had a response to this yet. It sounds like a very stressful situation. I'm hoping that now you've managed to see your GP and gain the fit note needed. It'd be good to know how things are progressing if you're happy to update us. I hope you're feeling a bit better now about it all.

OverlyAnxious

Hi,

Carers Allowance is separate to UC. However, you should be getting the Carers Element within UC. That does remove all work requirements, so no need for fit notes or WCA while you're still caring. Are you getting the Carers Element?