Claimant commitments and how to avoid a Universal Credit sanction

Summary

If you break your claimant commitment, you will get a sanction. This guide explains how to get your claimant commitment right and how to avoid a DWP sanction. The information in this guide applies to England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. 1 What is a claimant commitment and what needs to be in it 2 How to change your claimant commitment 3 How to avoid breaking your claimant commitment 4 Be organised and keep records 5 FAQs about claimant commitments and sanctions 6 How to find an adviser 7 What does it mean? 8 About this guide A sanction is when the DWP reduces or stops your benefit for a period of time. You usually get a sanction because you have failed to do something in your claimant commitment. To avoid being sanctioned: 1. Make sure your claimant commitment accurately reflects your circumstances and doesn’t commit you to doing something you cannot do. 2. Make sure you understand what you are required to do. (If you need a translator, ask for one). 3. Make every effort to avoid breaking your claimant commitment. 4. If something does go wrong, provide a good reason for the failure and explain any steps you took to put it right or avoid the problem straight away. Use the.

Key information

• an addict or alcoholic (or recovering),
• have recently been a victim of domestic abuse,
• struggle with reading and writing,
• need help to manage your admin,
• have problems with your memory, or
• English or Welsh is not your first language.
• Explain your condition and how it affects what you can do. Be as clear and specific as possible. For example, maybe it makes travelling by public transport hard, or you have difficulty meeting new people, anxiety about appointments, or can’t lift anything heavy, or be in a loud environment.
• Ensure all your difficulties are recorded in the commitment as this will be useful if things do go wrong later.
• Ask for the help you need. This can include limiting the hours you must search for work, or changing the type of work you are expected to look for. You can also ask for longer appointments, a private room, telephone appointments, a sign language interpreter, or even a home visit if you cannot get to the jobcentre.
• Give them evidence if you can. Show your work coach a letter from your doctor, therapist, or support worker.
• Bring support. You are allowed to bring a friend, relative, or support worker to your appointments.
• Consider asking for a work capability assessment. Talk to your work coach about being referred for a work capability assessment. The outcome of the assessment could change what you are expected to do to get your Universal Credit. Whilst you are waiting for the outcome of the assessment, your work-related requirements may be reduced, but this is up to your work coach.

Practical guidance

• Source: Claimant commitments and how to avoid a Universal Credit sanction

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