Overview

• Universal Credit requires a claimant commitment, with reviews held at jobcentres or by phone depending on individual circumstances.
• Failing to attend an agreed appointment without an accepted reason can lead to a sanction that reduces the standard allowance, with the length decided by the DWP.
• Sanctions can cut up to 100% of the standard allowance for each sanction day, or 40% for 16–17-year-olds and for those whose only requirement is attending appointments.
• A sanction may be recorded even if reduced to nil because other income leaves no payment to deduct from, and additional elements such as housing costs continue to be paid.
• Acceptable reasons can include unexpected illness, a hospital appointment clash or a domestic emergency, and claimants are advised to contact their work coach or use the journal as soon as possible.