Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Recommendation 124
124
Some of our contributors discussed the use of sanctions on claimants who fail to maintain...
Conclusion
Some of our contributors discussed the use of sanctions on claimants who fail to maintain their claimant commitment. A claimant commitment is an agreement between a claimant and the DWP. It is a record of the responsibilities (to prepare for and look for work) that a person accepts in return for receiving Universal Credit, and the consequences of not meeting those responsibilities.311 Should a claimant not maintain their claimant commitment then they can be sanctioned meaning that they would receive a reduction in their benefit.312 This has become known as conditionality as a claimant has to meet certain conditions to receive their Universal Credit payment.
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
Work Coaches will continue to work with claimants to ensure claimant commitments are reasonable for claimants’ circumstances and allow them to continue to adhere to the Covid-19 public health advice in force in the relevant part of the UK. DWP will continue to encourage claimants to prepare and look for work. Employers are obliged to have a safe working environment. Where a claimant has failed to meet their requirements, DWP will look at any evidence of good reason, including whether they are self-isolating or have ad-hoc responsibilities due to Covid-19, when considering if a sanction is warranted. A claimant can request an explanation of a sanction at any time. If a claimant disagrees with a decision, they can ask for the decision to be reconsidered and subsequently can appeal against the decision to an independent tribunal. Those who are sanctioned can apply for hardship payments to ensure they can cover their essential needs.