The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) hands out sanctions when Universal Credit claimants do not stick to the claimant agreement they signed up to when they first started receiving the benefit
The phrase ‘Universal Credit sanction’ is typically one that benefit claimants desperately try to steer clear of. However, with over 424,000 claimants slapped with at least one sanction last year, it’s crucial for recipients to be fully aware of all the potential pitfalls that could halt or reduce their payments, especially during the festive period.
Sanctions are generally handed out by the DWP as penalties for claimants failing to uphold their part of the agreement they signed when they first started receiving the benefit. This usually outlines what you agree to do in terms of preparing for and seeking work or increasing your income.
As a result, the exact reason for a sanction can range from not applying for jobs, to skipping recommended courses, or failing to provide certain evidence requested by the Department. Missing Jobcentre commitments, like meetings with your work coach, without a valid reason can also trigger a sanction.
Failing to report a change in circumstances promptly is another common cause for sanctions. These changes can include moving house, fluctuations in earnings or changes in your ability to work.
If the Department discovers that you deliberately neglected to update this information to avoid a reduction in your benefit income, you could face court action or penalties, reports Leicestershire Live.
The DWP records changes from the day they happen, not when you report them. So, if you’re slow to update these changes of circumstances, you might have to repay any extra benefits you received that you weren’t entitled to.
This could lead to a decrease in your benefit payments until you’ve repaid the full amount. There are three different levels of Universal Credit sanctions, which will be assigned to your case depending on what triggered the sanction.
All sanctions are temporary, but the duration and reduction amount depend on the severity of the situation as determined by the Department. Low-level sanctions are typically given to people for minor commitment breaches like missing a work-focused interview, failing to sign on when required or not providing requested evidence.
It usually lasts for a set period, around seven days, according to Turn2Us, plus however long it takes to rectify the issue. Medium-level sanctions are for claimants who don’t do enough job hunting or aren’t available for work.
These usually last around 28 days, but if you incur more than one in a year, it may be extended to 91 days. Lastly, high-level sanctions can last for about three months but can be extended to 182 days if you’ve had multiple high-level sanctions in the past year.
This punishment is usually for major breaches of the commitment like refusing a job offer or leaving your job without a good reason.
