Introduction to Universal Credit for Sick or Disabled People
Universal Credit is a benefit designed to help with living costs if you’re on a low income, out of work, or unable to work due to illness or disability. If you have a health condition or disability that affects your ability to work, Universal Credit can provide extra financial support and tailored help to meet your needs.
The scheme is governed by the Welfare Reform Act 2012 and is available across the UK. To qualify, you usually need to be aged 18 or over, under State Pension age, and have less than £16,000 in savings. If your health condition or disability limits your ability to work, you may be asked to complete a Work Capability Assessment to determine what support you’re entitled to.
Understanding your rights and the support available is vital to making the most of your claim. For a broader introduction to the benefit, see What is Universal Credit or visit the main Universal Credit page to explore more about how the system works.
Eligibility for Universal Credit When You’re Sick or Disabled
If you’re sick or disabled, you may be able to claim Universal Credit to help with living costs. Under Universal Credit rules, you could qualify if you have a physical or mental health condition that makes it hard for you to work or carry out daily activities. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will assess your situation to decide if your health condition affects your ability to work.
If you’re unable to work or have ‘limited capability for work’ due to your health, you may be asked to provide medical evidence and attend a Work Capability Assessment. This assessment helps determine whether you can get extra support through Universal Credit, such as the Limited Capability for Work (LCW) or Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) elements. These elements can increase your monthly payment if you meet the criteria.
You must also meet standard Universal Credit eligibility rules, such as age, income, savings, and residency requirements. If you’re unsure about your entitlement or want to explore other help available, you can check what benefits you can get to see if you qualify for additional support.
Applying for Universal Credit if You’re Sick or Disabled
When you’re sick or disabled, applying for Universal Credit involves a few extra steps to make sure your health needs are properly considered. Here’s how the process works:
1. Start your application
Begin by applying for Universal Credit. You’ll need to create an online account and fill in details about your circumstances, including your health condition or disability.
2. Provide information about your health
During the application, you’ll be asked if you have a health condition or disability that affects your ability to work. Be as clear as possible about how your illness or disability impacts your daily life and work. You may need to provide a fit note (sometimes called a sick note) from your GP or healthcare professional.
3. Report your situation accurately
It’s important to give honest and detailed information about your condition. This helps the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) decide if you need extra support, such as limited capability for work or work-related activity. If you’re moving from older benefits, you may need to follow the Universal Credit migration process.
4. What happens next
After you apply, the DWP may ask you to attend a Work Capability Assessment to understand how your health affects your ability to work. Decisions can take several weeks, depending on how quickly assessments are arranged and evidence is reviewed. You’ll be notified of the outcome and any additional support you’re entitled to.
For a step-by-step guide tailored to your situation, see our page on applying for Universal Credit.
Work Capability Assessment and Health Assessments
If you’re applying for Universal Credit because you’re sick or disabled, you’ll usually need to go through a Work Capability Assessment (WCA). This process helps the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) decide if your health condition or disability limits your ability to work or carry out work-related activities. The outcome affects whether you get extra support through Universal Credit.
The first step is filling in a form about your health and how it affects your daily life. For detailed guidance on filling in the Work Capability Form for Universal Credit, visit our dedicated page. You can also read more about the process in the Citizens Advice guide to the Work Capability Assessment.
After submitting your form, you may be asked to attend a medical assessment. This is sometimes called a health assessment, and it’s carried out by a healthcare professional on behalf of the DWP. To learn what happens during the health assessment for Universal Credit, see our detailed guide.
If you’re preparing for your appointment, our page on going to your Universal Credit medical assessment explains what to expect and how to get ready. You can also find practical advice in the Citizens Advice resource on Health and Disability Assessments.
The results of your assessment will determine if you are placed in a group that means you don’t have to look for work, or if you get extra financial support. For more on how the assessment affects your Universal Credit claim, follow the links above to find step-by-step help.
Additional Support and Benefits While You’re Sick or Disabled
If you’re sick or disabled, Universal Credit can offer extra support to help with your daily living costs. One key benefit is the Limited Capability for Work (LCW) or Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) elements. If your health condition or disability limits your ability to work, you may be eligible for extra monthly payments. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will usually assess your situation through a Work Capability Assessment to decide if you qualify.
Universal Credit can also help with your housing costs, such as rent and some service charges. This support is paid as part of your Universal Credit payment and can be especially important if your health affects your ability to work. If you’re struggling to pay your rent or facing arrears, you can find guidance on help with housing and help with debt and rent arrears on Universal Credit.
If your condition makes it difficult or expensive to travel to medical appointments or treatment, you might be able to get help with transport costs. This can include support for travel to hospital, GP, or specialist appointments.
Managing your finances can be challenging if you’re unwell or living with a disability. Universal Credit offers budgeting support, and there are steps you can take if you’re finding it hard to keep up with bills or debts. For more information about managing your claim and accessing ongoing support, see what to expect while you’re on Universal Credit.
What to Do If Your Situation Changes
Keeping your Universal Credit claim up to date is essential, especially if you are sick or disabled. If your health, financial situation, or personal circumstances change, you must tell Universal Credit as soon as possible. This includes changes like starting or stopping work, changes in your health condition, or a change in your living arrangements. Reporting changes promptly can help you avoid problems with your payments or even penalties.
The rules about reporting changes are set out in the Universal Credit (Claims and Payments) Regulations 2013. These regulations explain your duty to inform the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) about any changes that might affect your claim.
If your claim is stopped or closed, you may need to reapply for Universal Credit. Make sure you provide all the necessary information about your current situation when you reapply.
If you experience issues with your payments, such as delays or incorrect amounts, see our guide on payment problems for advice on what to do next.
In cases where your claim is denied or you disagree with a decision, you have the right to challenge it. Find out more about Universal Credit appeals and how to request a reconsideration or appeal.
If your payments are reduced or stopped due to a sanction, you can get help by reading about what to do if you’ve been sanctioned.
Staying informed and acting quickly when your circumstances change will help you manage your Universal Credit claim and ensure you receive the support you’re entitled to.
