Benefits - Benefit sanctions

If you don’t do the things you must do to meet the rules for getting your benefit, you may get less benefit or your benefit can be  stopped for a number of weeks. This is known as a sanction.

In October 2012, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) began stricter rules with tougher, longer penalties. This is especially true if you are getting Jobseekers Allowance and Universal Credit.

We have 2 guides to show what sanctions are. They tell you what will happen if you are sanctioned and a hints and tips guide to help you meet the rules so you avoid losing benefits. The documents are called:

• Customer Guide to Sanctions – The Facts
• Customer Guide to Sanctions -  practical advice and tips to support Jobseekers on JSA and Universal credit

Read the Department for Work and Pensions information on Jobseeker’s Allowance Sanctions.

Check you are getting all the benefits you are entitled to