TL;DR
Universal Credit conditionality places claimants in one of four work-search groups. Sanctions apply when commitments are not met. Lower sanctions last seven days, higher sanctions can last from 13 weeks up to three years for repeated breaches.
DWP has reissued guidance on the Universal Credit conditionality framework, which assigns each claimant to one of four work-search categories and triggers a sanction when the agreed commitments are not met. Sanction lengths range from seven days for missed appointments up to three years for repeated higher-level breaches.
The four conditionality groups
Universal Credit claimants are placed in one of four groups: Searching for Work, Working with Requirements, Working with No Requirements and No Work-Related Requirements. The category is set at the start of the claim through a Claimant Commitment interview.
Searching for Work requires up to 35 hours a week of job search and acceptance of suitable work. Working with Requirements applies where the claimant works but earnings fall below the Administrative Earnings Threshold of £892 a month for a single person.
What can trigger a sanction
Failing to attend a Jobcentre appointment, failing to apply for jobs noted in the commitment, or leaving a job voluntarily without good reason can all trigger a sanction. The DWP must show the claimant had been given fair notice of the requirement.
Lower-level sanctions cover missed appointments and last for the period until the commitment is met, plus seven, 14 or 28 days for repeated breaches. Higher-level sanctions cover refusing work and last 91 days for a first breach, rising to 182 days and then up to three years.
How a sanction reduces the award
A sanction reduces the standard allowance by the daily equivalent for each day the sanction applies. The reduction does not normally reduce housing, child or disability elements.
For a single claimant aged 25 or over the daily reduction is around £14, equivalent to the standard allowance divided by 365. The reduction is shown on the monthly statement.
How to challenge a sanction
Claimants can ask for a Mandatory Reconsideration within one month of the sanction decision. The DWP looks at the case again and either upholds, varies or withdraws the sanction.
If the Mandatory Reconsideration upholds the decision the claimant can appeal to the First-tier Tribunal. Free advice on challenging a sanction is available from Citizens Advice on 0800 144 8848 and from Turn2us.
How hardship payments work
Sanctioned claimants whose financial situation becomes precarious can apply for a hardship payment through the Universal Credit journal. The payment is a loan worth up to 60 per cent of the standard allowance amount that has been sanctioned, paid back through future awards.
Eligibility requires showing that essential household costs cannot otherwise be met. Households with children, with someone aged 16 or 17, or where someone has a disability are prioritised.
Key facts
- Four conditionality groups apply under Universal Credit.
- Lower sanctions last for up to 28 days for repeated breaches.
- Higher sanctions last up to three years for repeated higher-level breaches.
- Daily reduction for a single claimant 25 or over is around £14.
- Mandatory Reconsideration must be requested within one month.
FAQ
What can trigger a Universal Credit sanction?
Missing an appointment without good reason, failing to apply for jobs noted in the commitment, or leaving a job voluntarily can all trigger a sanction. The exact length depends on the breach level and the claimant's history.
How long does a sanction last?
Lower-level sanctions last until the commitment is met plus 7, 14 or 28 days depending on history. Higher-level sanctions last 91 days for a first breach and can rise to 182 days and up to three years for repeated breaches.
How is the sanction money taken from my award?
The DWP reduces the standard allowance element by the daily equivalent for each day of the sanction. Housing, child and disability elements normally continue to be paid. The reduction appears on the monthly Universal Credit statement.
Can I challenge a sanction?
Yes, you can ask for Mandatory Reconsideration within one month, then appeal to the First-tier Tribunal if it is upheld. Citizens Advice on 0800 144 8848 offers free help with challenging a sanction.
