WTC at present Cancer diagnosis op upcoming what to do

Hi, Sorry very confused about everything at the moment, head's a muddle and I'm not processing things well at all. I had a cancer diagnosis 2-3 weeks ago and am to have a major operation at the end of November. It is hoped this will remove all the cancer and that no further treatment will be necessary but tests will be needed on tissue removed during the op to find out if this is the case.

I am currently £0 income self employed claiming WTC and received the leaflet notifying me that I will be sent a letter a some point advising me to transfer to UC. I claim the disability element of WTC for depression, anxiety and have chronic migraine (more than 15 days of migraine with headache a month).

My NI contributions are up to their maximum for my state pension contributions but I haven't paid contributions voluntarily in the last year or two.

I am told that after my op I won't be able to work for 6 weeks.

At what point do I need to tell DWP and what impact will it have on my income?

Will I have to go 5 weeks without any income at that point?

Will I go straight onto UC?

I live alone and I am worried sick.

Thank you.