There are a number of ways of avoiding or reducing the risk of a benefit sanction.

Universal credit and JSA – If you are claiming universal credit, you can avoid a sanction as long as none of the work-related conditions apply to you. This will be the case if you are found to have a ‘limited capability for work-related activity’ at a ‘work capability assessment’ (see Chapter 12(5) ). If you are found not to have a limited capability for work-related activity, you can challenge the decision (see Chapter 12(16) and (19) ).

If you are claiming universal credit and all the work-related conditions apply to you (see Box E.3 in Chapter 17), or you are claiming JSA, you can reduce the risk of a sanction by ensuring that your work coach is aware of any problems you face in being available for and searching for work. For example, you can restrict the number of hours you are expected to work (and to look for work) provided the restriction is reasonable given you