This guide explains what benefit sanctions are, when they can be applied, and how they affect the benefits you receive. It covers sanctions linked to Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and Universal Credit, including the different types and lengths of sanctions that may apply.
We have published this guide to help you understand your responsibilities when claiming benefits and what may happen if these are not met. It also explains how sanctions can affect related benefits, what support may be available during a sanction, and how you can ask for a decision to be reconsidered or appealed.
The guide is intended to support claimants by providing clear, factual information so you can better understand the benefit sanction process and where to get help if you are affected.