Overview
- Official GOV.UK guidance says failing to attend a scheduled jobcentre meeting or phone call without an accepted reason can trigger a sanction decided case by case by the DWP.
- Sanctions can reduce up to 100% of the Universal Credit standard allowance, with a 40% rate applying for 16–17 year‑olds or where the only duty is to attend appointments.
- Claimants are advised to message their work coach or use the Universal Credit journal as soon as possible to explain missed commitments, with acceptable reasons including unexpected illness, a hospital appointment, or a domestic emergency.
- A sanction may be recorded even at nil value if there is not enough entitlement to deduct from, and additional elements such as housing costs continue to be paid, though help with NHS costs can be affected.
- Recent coverage also highlights that decision makers consider factors like how quickly an absence is reported, any supporting evidence, and prior non‑attendance, with repeated failures risking tougher penalties.