Universal Credit Sanctions Surge to Highest Level Since Late 2023
Tens of thousands of Universal Credit claimants saw their benefits stopped or slashed in just four weeks, government figures reveal. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reported a sharp rise in sanctions, with 116,015 people penalised in February—up from 109,755 in January.
This marks the highest monthly sanction rate since November 2023. The data shows that 5.5% of claimants who could face sanctions were hit, compared to 5.4% the month before.
What Are Universal Credit Sanctions?
Sanctions are penalties where claimants have their benefits reduced or completely stopped. These occur when claimants fail to meet their Claimant Commitment, a contract requiring them to:
- Attend JobCentre appointments
- Actively search for work
- Maintain an up-to-date CV
The severity of sanctions varies depending on the breach and personal circumstances. Sanctions can lead to daily deductions from the claimant’s standard allowance or total payment stoppages.
Sanction Examples:
- £13.10 per day for single people over 25
- £10.40 per day for single people under 25
- 40% deduction for claimants aged 16-17
Key extra payments like carer’s allowance remain untouched during sanctions.
Why Do Sanctions Happen?
Sanctions range from lowest to high severity and are issued for reasons like:
- Failing to apply for jobs or losing one due to misconduct
- Missing interviews or work-related activities
- Not being available or making efforts to find better-paid work
How to Fight a Sanction
If you’ve been sanctioned, you can appeal by requesting a mandatory reconsideration within one month of the decision. You can appeal:
- Via your Universal Credit online account
- By filling out the CRMR1 form on the Gov.uk website
- By calling 0800 328 5644
- Or by writing to: DWP Complaints, Post Handling Site B, wolverhampton/" title="Wolverhampton" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Wolverhampton, WV99 2GY
If illness or hospitalisation caused you to miss the deadline, it may still be possible to appeal. Citizens Advice stresses you should receive full details of your sanction, including reason, length, and amount deducted.
