Introduction to the Universal Credit medical assessment
The Universal Credit medical assessment, sometimes called a Work Capability Assessment, is a key step if you are claiming Universal Credit because you are sick or disabled. This assessment is designed to help the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) understand how your health condition or disability affects your ability to work or carry out daily activities. It is not a medical examination in the traditional sense, but rather an evaluation of how your condition impacts your life.
If you are applying for Universal Credit due to illness or disability, you will usually be asked to attend a medical assessment. This applies whether your condition is physical, mental, or a combination of both. The assessment is required for most people who submit a fit note (sometimes called a ‘sick note’) as part of their claim, or who report a health condition that limits their ability to work.
The assessment forms an essential part of the overall process for getting Universal Credit if you’re sick or disabled. After you report your health condition to Universal Credit, you may be sent a form called the UC50, which asks for details about how your condition affects you. The answers you provide, along with the outcome of the medical assessment, help the DWP decide:
If you have a limited capability for work (LCW) or limited capability for work and work-related activity (LCWRA)
What level of financial support you are entitled to
What work-related requirements you may need to meet as part of your Universal Credit claim
The outcome of the assessment can affect your payments and the conditions attached to your Universal Credit. For example, being found to have LCWRA means you will not be expected to look for work and may receive extra money. If you are found not to have a limited capability for work, you may be required to look for work or take steps to prepare for work to continue receiving Universal Credit.
It’s important to prepare for your assessment and provide as much relevant information as possible. The process is governed by strict rules and guidelines set out in the Welfare Reform Act 2012 and associated regulations, which ensure that assessments are carried out fairly and consistently.
You can find detailed guidance on what the assessment involves, what to expect on the day, and how decisions are made by visiting Universal Credit. For more information about the DWP’s role and how appointments are arranged, see Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Understanding the medical assessment and its role in your Universal Credit claim can help you feel more confident and prepared as you go through the process. If you need more information about your rights and responsibilities, or the wider process for sick or disabled claimants, explore our section on getting Universal Credit if you’re sick or disabled.
Preparing for your Universal Credit medical assessment
Preparing properly for your Universal Credit medical assessment can make a big difference to your experience and the outcome. The assessment is used to help decide what support you’re entitled to if you’re unwell or disabled, so it’s important to give a clear and accurate picture of your health and how it affects your daily life.
Why preparation matters
The assessment is your opportunity to explain how your condition affects you. Being well prepared means you’re more likely to remember important details and provide the information needed for a fair decision. It also helps reduce stress on the day, as you’ll know what to expect and what to bring.
Gathering medical evidence
Before your appointment, collect any recent medical evidence that supports your claim. This might include:
Letters or reports from your GP, specialist, or consultant
Prescription lists or a summary of your medication
Hospital discharge summaries
Physiotherapy or occupational therapy reports
Care plans or letters from support workers
Bring copies of these documents to your assessment. They help show how your condition affects you over time, and can back up what you say during your appointment.
The role of the Work Capability Form
The Work Capability Form (also known as UC50) is a key part of the process. You’ll be asked to fill this in before your assessment, describing your health condition and how it impacts your ability to work or carry out daily activities. It’s important to answer all questions honestly and in detail, giving examples of how you’re affected on both good and bad days. For more guidance, see filling in the Work Capability Form for Universal Credit or read the official advice on the Work Capability Form.
What to bring and how to plan your visit
On the day of your assessment, remember to bring:
Any medical evidence you’ve gathered
A copy of your completed Work Capability Form
Notes about your symptoms or daily challenges, if you’ve made any
A list of your current medication
Photo ID (such as a passport or driving licence)
Details of any appointments or treatments coming up
If you need someone to support you, such as a friend, relative, or carer, you can bring them along. They can help you explain your situation and make you feel more comfortable.
Plan your journey in advance. Make sure you know the location and time of your assessment, and allow extra time for travel. If you have mobility issues or need special arrangements, contact the assessment centre beforehand to discuss your needs.
Help with transport costs
If travelling to your assessment will be difficult or expensive, you may be able to get help with transport costs. This can include reimbursement for public transport, mileage if you drive, or taxi fares if you cannot use public transport due to your health condition.
Being prepared helps you present your case clearly and ensures you have everything you need on the day. For more information about the assessment process and what happens next, explore the rest of our guidance or visit the official government page on Work Capability Form.
What happens during the medical assessment
What happens during the medical assessment
When you attend your Universal Credit medical assessment, also known as a Work Capability Assessment, you will meet with a healthcare professional. This could be a doctor, nurse, physiotherapist, or occupational therapist. The assessment is carried out on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), usually by an independent organisation such as the Health Assessment Advisory Service. The main purpose is to understand how your illness or disability affects your ability to work and manage day-to-day activities.
The assessment process
The appointment usually takes place in person at an assessment centre, but it can sometimes be done by phone or video call, especially if you have difficulty travelling. The healthcare professional will have read the information you provided in your UC50 form and any medical evidence you sent. They may also ask you to describe your medical history, current symptoms, and how your condition affects your daily life.
What to expect during the assessment
During the assessment, you will be asked a range of questions about your health, including:
How your condition affects your ability to carry out tasks such as washing, dressing, cooking, and getting around.
Whether you experience pain, fatigue, or other symptoms, and how often these occur.
How your condition impacts your ability to concentrate, remember things, or interact with other people.
Any treatments, medications, or therapies you are receiving and how effective they are.
You may also be asked about your typical day and how you manage at home or outside. The assessor may want to know if you need help from someone else, use aids or adaptations, or avoid certain activities because of your condition.
Physical and mental assessments
Depending on your condition, the healthcare professional might carry out some simple physical tests. For example, they may ask you to move your arms or legs, bend, stand, or walk a short distance. These tests are not meant to be strenuous or cause pain; you should only do what you feel able to. If you have a mental health condition, you may be asked questions to assess things like your mood, anxiety levels, ability to cope with change, or how you interact with others.
Why honesty and detail matter
It is very important to answer all questions honestly and in as much detail as possible. The assessment is not a medical examination to diagnose you, but a way to understand how your condition affects your ability to work and carry out daily activities. The healthcare professional will use the information you provide, along with any evidence you have supplied, to complete a report for the DWP.
The rules for the Work Capability Assessment are set out in the Welfare Reform Act 2012 and related regulations. The assessment is based on specific criteria called "descriptors," which look at your ability to perform certain activities. Your answers will help determine whether you are considered fit for work, have limited capability for work, or have limited capability for work-related activity.
Practical advice
Be prepared to describe your difficulties, even if they feel personal or embarrassing.
Give examples of how your condition affects you on both good and bad days.
If you struggle with certain activities, explain why and how often this happens.
Bring any supporting documents, such as medication lists or recent medical reports, if you have not already sent them.
Remember, the assessment is designed to help the DWP make the right decision about your Universal Credit and any additional support you may be entitled to. Being open and thorough will give them the clearest picture of your situation.
After the medical assessment: What to expect
After the medical assessment: What to expect
Once your Universal Credit medical assessment is complete, the results are sent to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The DWP uses the information from your assessment, along with any supporting evidence you provided, to decide how your health condition or disability affects your ability to work and what extra support you might receive.
How the assessment results are used
The DWP considers the medical assessment report alongside your application and any other medical evidence. Their decision is based on specific criteria set out in the Universal Credit regulations. They will decide whether you have:
Limited Capability for Work (LCW): You are not expected to look for work right now, but you may have to prepare for work in the future.
Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA): You are not expected to work or prepare for work due to your health condition or disability. This usually means you will get extra money in your Universal Credit payment.
No limited capability for work: You are considered able to work or look for work, so you will not receive extra support related to health or disability.
For more details on how health assessments affect your Universal Credit claim, see our guide on health assessment – Universal Credit.
How the outcome affects your Universal Credit
The outcome of your assessment can affect:
The amount of Universal Credit you receive: If you are found to have LCWRA, your payment will usually increase.
The work-related requirements you must meet: If you are found to have LCW or LCWRA, you may not have to look for work or may only need to prepare for work, depending on your situation.
You will receive a decision letter explaining the outcome and what it means for your claim.
Receiving your decision
The DWP will send you a written decision, usually by post or through your online Universal Credit account. This letter will explain:
The outcome of your assessment
How it affects your Universal Credit payments and work requirements
The reasons for the decision
It’s important to read this letter carefully and keep it for your records.
If you disagree with the decision
If you feel the decision is wrong, you have the right to challenge it. The first step is to ask for a mandatory reconsideration. This means the DWP will look at your claim again and review all the evidence. You must usually request this within one month of receiving the decision letter.
If you are still unhappy after the reconsideration, you can appeal to an independent tribunal. For a clear, step-by-step explanation of the process, see this guide on appealing a decision. It explains what to do before you appeal, including reviewing your mandatory reconsideration notice, and how to present your case.
Further support and information
Understanding what happens after your medical assessment can help you plan your next steps and make sure you get the support you are entitled to. For more details about the DWP’s role and how your health condition or disability is considered, visit the official Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) overview.
If you need more information about the assessment process itself or how to prepare, return to our main health assessment – Universal Credit page.
Additional support and related benefits
If your health condition affects your ability to work, there may be additional types of support and related benefits available to you alongside Universal Credit. Understanding your options can help you manage your finances, housing, and overall wellbeing during this time.
Other Benefits You May Be Eligible For
If you have a long-term illness or disability that limits your ability to work, you might qualify for Employment Support Allowance (ESA). ESA provides financial support if you’re unable to work and personalised help so you can work if you’re able to. You can receive ESA on its own or in some cases alongside Universal Credit, depending on your circumstances.
To find out how to claim, see the application process for ESA, which explains eligibility criteria, required medical evidence, and the steps involved in making a claim. ESA assessments are similar in some ways to Universal Credit medical assessments, focusing on how your condition affects your daily life and ability to work.
Help with Debt and Rent Arrears
Managing money can be challenging if your health impacts your work. If you’re struggling with bills, rent, or other debts while on Universal Credit, you’re not alone – there is support available. You can access practical guidance on budgeting, dealing with rent arrears, and understanding the options for repayment by visiting help with debt and rent arrears on Universal Credit. This resource explains what to do if you fall behind on rent, how to get help from your local council or landlord, and where to seek free debt advice.
Housing Assistance if Your Health Affects Your Living Situation
If your health condition means you need to move, adapt your current home, or require extra support with housing, there are specific options to help. You may be able to get support with housing costs through Universal Credit, but if your needs are more complex – such as requiring accessible accommodation or support services – you should explore dedicated housing assistance options. This could involve help from your local authority, support to stay in your home, or advice on finding suitable accommodation if your health affects where or how you live.
If you need more detailed information about any of these topics, explore the links above or speak to a welfare rights adviser for tailored advice. Understanding the full range of support available can make a significant difference as you navigate your Universal Credit medical assessment and beyond.
