Sanctions Explained

You may have heard scare stories about "Sanctions", and be terrified as a result. It's always wise to arm yourself with facts when you feel that way.

Firstly, if you are in the Support Group, you do not need to worry about Sanctions at all. Sanctions relate to the Work Related Activity Group only. (And JSA).

"Sanctions" essentially means being punished for not complying with the governments requirements of you, by having the Work Related Component of your ESA payments reduced. Your awarding letter should inform you of how much of your ESA payment makes up the 'Work Related Component'. For most people it is £28.45. (This means you will still receive your Support Component - so won't be completely penniless).

For the first four weeks of sanctions, your it will be reduced by 50%. Any further weeks, it will be reduced by 100%.

The Work Related Component is currently usually £28.45, so for the first four weeks it would be reduced to £14.23.

Sanctions can be imposed if you:

• do not attend or take part in a work focused interview.
• do not take part in compulsory work-related activity.

Sanctions will not be imposed if you have a good reason for not doing the above. They will accept reasons such as:

• having transport problems.
• being unable to attend due to your health problems.
• having language, literacy or learning difficulties.
• the appointment coinciding with a medical appointment that could not be rescheduled (eg, one you've waited months for, or a doctor who is only available on a specific day).
• a loved one passing away.

Having sanctions imposed can make life extremely difficult. It can inadvertently mean that your Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit are affected. It will mean that you have problems paying bills, and making ends meet in general.

As such, when you are contacted the first time by your Job Centre Plus Advisor, ask them for their direct telephone number, so that you can contact them under any circumstances. If you ever think that you may be unable to make an appointment or will be late for one, either with them, or with your Work Related Activity, let them know - even if you do turn up after all. Cover your back!

It can also be useful to take a fax number for the Job Centre, so that if you are ill and cannot attend an appointment, your GP surgery can fax through your fit note to them.