diff --git a/newsfragments/2688.feature.rst b/newsfragments/2688.feature.rst
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..ff0b700e1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/newsfragments/2688.feature.rst
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+Ursula will now check for active stakes on startup.
diff --git a/nucypher/blockchain/eth/actors.py b/nucypher/blockchain/eth/actors.py
index c1703c68e..d430d5aa9 100644
--- a/nucypher/blockchain/eth/actors.py
+++ b/nucypher/blockchain/eth/actors.py
@@ -1094,7 +1094,7 @@ class Worker(NucypherTokenActor):
 
         if is_me:
             self.stakes = StakeList(registry=self.registry, checksum_address=self.checksum_address)
-            self.work_tracker = work_tracker or WorkTracker(worker=self)
+            self.work_tracker = work_tracker or WorkTracker(worker=self, stakes=self.stakes)
 
     def block_until_ready(self, poll_rate: int = None, timeout: int = None, feedback_rate: int = None):
         """
diff --git a/nucypher/blockchain/eth/token.py b/nucypher/blockchain/eth/token.py
index 85a060e11..4113ced30 100644
--- a/nucypher/blockchain/eth/token.py
+++ b/nucypher/blockchain/eth/token.py
@@ -564,11 +564,12 @@ class WorkTracker:
 
     ALLOWED_DEVIATION = 0.5  # i.e., up to +50% from the expected confirmation time
 
-    def __init__(self, worker, *args, **kwargs):
+    def __init__(self, worker, stakes, *args, **kwargs):
 
         super().__init__(*args, **kwargs)
         self.log = Logger('stake-tracker')
         self.worker = worker
+        self.stakes = stakes
         self.staking_agent = self.worker.staking_agent
         self.client = self.staking_agent.blockchain.client
 
@@ -801,6 +802,11 @@ class WorkTracker:
             # TODO: Follow-up actions for failed requirements
             return
 
+        self.stakes.refresh()
+        if not self.stakes.has_active_substakes:
+            self.log.warn(f'COMMIT PREVENTED - There are no active stakes.')
+            return
+
         txhash = self.__fire_commitment()
         self.__pending[current_block_number] = txhash
 
@@ -902,3 +908,10 @@ class StakeList(UserList):
 
         # Record most recent cache update
         self.__updated = maya.now()
+
+    @property
+    def has_active_substakes(self) -> bool:
+        current_period = self.staking_agent.get_current_period()
+        for stake in self.data:
+            if not stake.status(current_period=current_period).is_child(Stake.Status.INACTIVE):
+                return True
diff --git a/nucypher/characters/lawful.py b/nucypher/characters/lawful.py
index e993949e7..600f22732 100644
--- a/nucypher/characters/lawful.py
+++ b/nucypher/characters/lawful.py
@@ -1312,6 +1312,12 @@ class Ursula(Teacher, Character, Worker):
                 self.block_until_ready()
             self.stakes.checksum_address = self.checksum_address
             self.stakes.refresh()
+            if not self.stakes.has_active_substakes:
+                msg = "No active stakes found for worker."
+                if emitter:
+                    emitter.message(f"✗ {msg}", color='red')
+                self.log.error(msg)
+                return
             self.work_tracker.start(commit_now=True)  # requirement_func=self._availability_tracker.status)  # TODO: #2277
             if emitter:
                 emitter.message(f"✓ Work Tracking", color='green')