The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued new guidance on Universal Credit sanctions. These apply in Scotland, England and Wales.
All Universal Credit claimants accept a claimant commitment which includes work related requirements to receive the benefit. But you can face sanctions if you break the commitment.
What are sanctions?
Universal Credit sanctions are when you get your payment reduced. This happens if you do not complete your agreed work-related activities without a good reason. These activities can be going to appointments with a work coach, updating your CV or searching for jobs.
How do I avoid a sanction?
You can avoid getting a sanction by doing all tings you have agreed to. This can include going to all appointments on time and taking part in interviews.
It also means doing everything you have agreed to do to find work. This might include taking part in training courses and applying for suitable jobs You should also make sure you report any changes in circumstances.
What if I can meet my commitments?
The DWP recommends that you contact them straight away if you’re not able to do the things in your commitment.
Reasons could include having a hospital appointment at the same time as a meeting, being unexpectedly ill or having a domestic emergency which means you can’t go to work or training. If the DWP decides you have a good reason, you won’t be sanctioned.
What happens if I get a sanction?
Your next payment or series of payments will be reduced. You will be informed as to how much the reduction is, how long it lasts for, what you can do to end it and what you failed to do.
How much are the sanctions?
Your payments will be reduced by 100 per cent of the Universal Credit standard allowance rate for each day the sanction is in place.
But if you are aged 16 or 17, or if your only responsibility is to attend appointments to discuss work, your payments will be reduced by 40 per cent for each day the sanction is in place.
If you’re single and under 25 your 100 per cent reduction day rate is £10.20, while your 40 per cent one is £4.
If you are single and over 25 the 100 per cent rate is £12.90 and the 40 per cent one is £5.10.
For joint claimants both under 25, the 100% reduction rate is £8 per sanctioned claimant, while the 40% rate is £3.20.
For joint claimants where one or both is over 25, the 100% reduction day rate is £10.10, while th 40 per cent rate is £4 per sanctioned claimant.
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