Universal Credit: Disqualification
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of benefit sanctions on the mental health of claimants receiving Universal Credit.
Answered by Dame Diana Johnson
Work-related requirements are tailored to the claimant, taking into consideration their individual circumstances such as health conditions or caring responsibilities, so they are realistic and achievable. Any requirements must be agreed between the claimant and the work coach, and the claimant must be made aware of the consequences for failing to meet a requirement.
If there is a failure, there are safeguards in place such as checking the claimant’s circumstances, asking for evidence of good reason and having an independent decision maker. A sanction is only applied where the claimant fails to meet their agreed work-related requirements without good reason.
Recoverable hardship payments are available for claimants who cannot meet their most immediate and essential needs as a result of a sanction.
The Department keeps the operation of conditionality and sanctions under continuous review to ensure the system remains fair and proportionate.
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