Overview

• Failing to attend a required appointment by phone or in person without an accepted reason can trigger a sanction that reduces Universal Credit.
• Payments can be cut by up to 100% of the standard allowance for each day of sanction, with a 40% rate for 16–17-year-olds or where attending appointments is the only duty.
• The duration of any sanction is decided by the DWP on a case-by-case basis.
• A sanction can be recorded as in place even if reduced to nil because other income already lowers the Universal Credit payment.
• Claimants are advised to contact the DWP via their online journal or work coach if they cannot meet commitments, with acceptable reasons including illness, hospital appointments, or a domestic emergency.