Key facts
•It is always better to avoid a sanction if you can. If a sanction decision is made, consider challenging it.
•If you are getting universal credit, jobseeker’s allowance or employment and support allowance and you do not meet your work-related requirements, you may be given a sanction.
•If you are given a sanction, your benefit is paid at a reduced (or sometimes nil) rate for a period.
•Whether or not you can be sanctioned, and for how long, depends on what you have done, or failed to do, in relation to your work-related requirements.
•You may be able to avoid a sanction if you can show that you have a good reason for your actions.
•You may qualify for hardship payments if you have been given a sanction.
•You can apply for a revision or supersession (see Chapter
56), or appeal (see Chapter
57) against a sanction decision. You must apply for a mandatory reconsideration before you can appeal.