Universal Credit: Disqualification

(asked on 1st March 2018) - View Source

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether guidance issued by her Department to jobcentre staff includes a requirement to contact a (a) healthcare professional, (b) family member and (c) support worker before a sanction is imposed on a vulnerable universal credit claimant.


Answered by
Alok Sharma Portrait
Alok Sharma
COP26 President (Cabinet Office)
This question was answered on 6th March 2018

There is no requirement for DWP to make the contact as described above before a sanction is applied to a Universal Credit claimant.

However, in setting reasonable requirements and considering the imposition of a sanction where someone fails to comply, Jobcentre Plus work coaches and decision makers take into account individual circumstances, including any complex needs, health conditions or disabilities.

Before a sanction is considered, a home visit may be undertaken in respect of a claimant with complex needs, to ensure that they fully understand the conditionality requirements placed upon them.

Reticulating Splines