Universal Credit recipients, listen up! Missing one important phone call could see your payments reduced. When you sign up for Universal Credit, you commit to a plan that helps you find work and boost your income. This ‘claimant commitment’ is discussed with your Jobcentre adviser and takes into account your personal circumstances, like childcare.
Regular check-ins are required, either in person or over the phone. If you miss one of these appointments, there must be a valid reason, or you could face a sanction—a reduction in your payments. The amount and duration of any sanction are decided by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
So, what happens if you don’t have a valid excuse? You could lose up to 100% of your standard allowance for each day the sanction is applied. There are exceptions if you’re under 18 or have specific responsibilities.
Even if you face a sanction, you’ll still receive other parts of your Universal Credit, like housing costs. But beware—a sanction might also affect your eligibility for additional benefits, such as help with NHS costs.
To avoid this, contact the DWP as soon as you know you can’t meet your commitment, using your Universal Credit account or speaking with your work coach. Acceptable reasons for missing appointments include unexpected illness, family emergencies, or clashing hospital appointments. Stay informed, stay organised, and ensure you don’t miss a beat to avoid compromising your financial safety net.