Universal Credit Sanction: What to Do If You've Been Sanctioned (2026)
By the RightfulUK team • • 5 min read • Reviewed for accuracy
A Universal Credit sanction means your payment has been reduced or stopped because the DWP says you didn't meet a condition. But many sanctions are wrong, and you can challenge them.
Here's what to do right now.
What Is a UC Sanction?
A sanction reduces your UC payment for a set period because the DWP says you:
- Didn't attend a job centre appointment - Didn't complete a work search activity - Left a job voluntarily - Were dismissed for misconduct - Didn't take up a job offer
Sanction periods: - First sanction: Up to 91 days - Second sanction: Up to 182 days - Third+ sanction: Up to 1,095 days (3 years)
Housing costs and disability premiums are usually still paid during a sanction.
Step 1: Get Emergency Help
If you can't afford food or essentials:
Hardship payments — You can apply for a reduced UC payment during a sanction. Ask your work coach or apply through your UC journal. You'll need to repay it, but it helps in an emergency.
Food banks — Your job centre can give you a food bank voucher. Trussell Trust food banks don't require a voucher.
Local council crisis fund — Many councils have emergency funds for people in financial hardship.
Charities — Turn2us, StepChange, and local charities can help with emergency grants.
Step 2: Challenge the Sanction
Many sanctions are wrong. You should challenge if:
- You had a good reason for missing the appointment (illness, caring responsibilities, transport problems) - You weren't properly notified - You have a disability that wasn't accommodated - The work search requirement was unreasonable
How to challenge: 1. Write in your UC journal explaining why the sanction is wrong 2. Provide evidence (doctor's note, hospital letter, etc.) 3. Ask for a Mandatory Reconsideration 4. If MR fails, appeal to tribunal
You have one month from the sanction decision to request MR.
Sanctions and Disability
If you have a disability or health condition:
- Your work coach MUST make reasonable adjustments to your commitments - Disability-related reasons for missing appointments are 'good cause' - If you have Limited Capability for Work, you should have reduced or no work search requirements - Mental health conditions that prevented attendance are valid reasons
If you're waiting for a Work Capability Assessment, your sanction may be wrong because your commitments should be adjusted.
Preventing Future Sanctions
Protect yourself:
1. Record everything — Screenshot your commitments and activities in your UC journal 2. Attend every appointment — If you can't, notify them BEFORE the appointment 3. Get a fit note — If illness prevents you from job searching, get a doctor's note 4. Request reasonable adjustments — If disability affects your ability to meet commitments 5. Claim PIP — PIP evidence supports claims for limited capability for work, which reduces sanction risk 6. Keep evidence — Save bus tickets, medical letters, everything
Related Articles
- PIP and Universal Credit: Can You Get Both? (2026 Guide) — 4 min read
- PIP Tribunal: What Actually Happens (From People Who've Been) — 5 min read
- PIP Denied? Here's Exactly What to Do Next (2026 Guide) — 4 min read
- How to Write a PIP Mandatory Reconsideration Letter That Works — 6 min read
Related Tools & Guides
- Free PIP Eligibility Checker — estimate your likely points
- Mandatory Reconsideration Letter Builder — challenge the DWP decision
- Tribunal Preparation Tool — practice panel questions
- PIP Condition Guides — descriptors for your condition