Sanctioning is when your benefits are stopped for failing to do something you have been asked, by the Job Centre, such as attending an interview or completing an application form.
You can be sanctioned if you’re claiming:
The best way to avoid sanctions is to do all the things that are set out in your claimant commitment or agreement. Here’s a checklist to help you:
Make sure you understand all your responsibilities
Ask your Work Coach or Jobcentre Adviser to explain anything that’s unclear
Let the Jobcentre know as soon as possible if there’s anything in your agreement that you can’t do, and explain your reasons
Keep track of all the dates when you have to go to the Jobcentre and any other meetings you have to attend
Keep a record of all your activities that relate to your benefit requirements. For example, make a note of the time you spend looking for work and any jobs you apply for
The best way to avoid sanctions is to do all the things that are set out in your claimant commitment or agreement. Here’s a checklist to help you:
Make sure you understand all your responsibilities
Ask your Work Coach or Jobcentre Adviser to explain anything that’s unclear
Let the Jobcentre know as soon as possible if there’s anything in your agreement that you can’t do, and explain your reasons
Keep track of all the dates when you have to go to the Jobcentre and any other meetings you have to attend
Keep a record of all your activities that relate to your benefit requirements. For example, make a note of the time you spend looking for work and any jobs you apply for
You can contact our employment & money advice ream on 01785 312000 for further help and support.
When your benefits are sanctioned, the Jobcentre will contact the council, who usually stop your Housing Benefit and Council Tax reduction until they have confirmation of your new income. Be sure to inform them of your sanction so your housing benefit and council tax support does not stop.
A hardship payment is a reduced amount of benefit that you can apply for from the Jobcentre if your benefit has been reduced because of a sanction. It normally pays 60% of your benefit payment.
To be eligible for a hardship payment, you must now be following the rules for getting your benefit.
Hardship payments of Universal Credit have to be paid back once the sanction comes to an end.
If you want to apply for a hardship payment, ask at your nearest Jobcentre.
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