Universal Credit Sanction: How Long It Lasts and How to Challenge It

Lowest: when your only requirement is to attend work-focused appointments and you miss one; it lasts until you contact DWP to rebook. Low: usually lasts until you do the missed activity, plus 7 days, rising to 14 then 28 days if you are sanctioned again within 365 days. Medium: 28 days, or 91 days if you had another in the past year. High: 91 days, or up to 182 days if you had another in the past year. Shorter periods apply to 16 and 17 year olds. source

Usually 100% of your standard allowance for each day of the sanction (40% if you are 16 or 17, or your only requirement is attending appointments). For example, £13.90 a day for a single person aged 25 or over. Amounts for children and housing costs are still paid. source

If you cannot do something, tell DWP straight away through your journal or your work coach. If DWP accepts you had a good reason, such as a hospital appointment clash, sudden illness or a domestic emergency, there is no sanction. source

If a sanction leaves you unable to pay for rent, heating, food or hygiene needs, you can ask for a hardship payment. You pay it back through lower Universal Credit payments once the sanction ends. source

Ask for a mandatory reconsideration if you disagree or have new evidence. You can ask through your journal, by phone, in person or in writing. Usually do this within one month of the decision. source