•If you are getting UC, JSA or ESA 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.

•It is always better to avoid a sanction if you can. If a sanction decision is made, consider challenging it. If a sanction is applied, you may still be able to avoid it 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.