Benefit sanctions

​​If your Job Seekers Allowance (JSA), Employment Support Allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit is sanctioned and you're in receipt of Housing Benefit you need to contact us. 

If you do not contact us we may stop paying your Housing Benefit until you do so.

Reasons why benefits are sanctioned

Your JSA, ESA or Universal Credit could be stopped if you:

  • Do not go to a Jobcentre Plus when asked
  • Turn down a job or training
  • Do not apply for any jobs
  • Do not go to any training booked for you
  • Leave your job or training without a good reason or because of your behaviour

How long benefits are sanctions for

A Jobcentre Plus adviser can tell you how long your JSA, ESA or Universal Credit will be stopped.

It could be up to 3 years.

Hardship payment

If your benefits have been sanctioned, you may be eligible for a hardship payment if you have no other sources of support.

Please contact your local Jobcentre for advice.​​