The Claimant Commitment, in-work conditionality and sanctions


One of the basic conditions of entitlement to UC is the acceptance of a Claimant Commitment. This is a record of the claimant’s responsibilities in relation to their award. In the vast majority of cases where a couple claim, both members must accept this commitment. It is updated and reviewed regularly. Each time it is changed the claimant must accept the new commitment.


The claimant is given a copy of the commitment at their work search interview. If it is not accepted, the claim will be closed.


The commitment must state what will happen if the claimant fails to meet their responsibilities. This could be a cut in benefit, or sanction, which can last for up to three years.


Unions are extremely concerned that their members could find themselves being sanctioned even though they are in work. 


“For the first time ever people in work could face being sanctioned (having their benefits stopped) if they don’t prove to the job centre that they’re searching for better paid work or more hours,” says Unite.


Usdaw advises its members that under UC, if their wages are less than the equivalent of 35 hours per week at the minimum wage, they will be expected to seek to increase their wages up to this level by applying for additional work, and will have to sign a Claimant Commitment to say that they will do so. 


It explains that if you are the main carer for a child aged between five and 12, you are only expected to seek work during school hours. 


If you cannot get enough extra hours at your existing workplace, you will be expected to apply for a second job, or better paid job, at a distance of up to 90 minutes’ travel time away. 


Usdaw warns its members that up to half of all working people on UC who are earning less than 35 hours a week at the minimum wage will be placed on a trial system to see “which methods work best to ensure that claimants increase their hours of work and pay”. Those on the trial may be asked to attend additional interviews with their work coach, apply for jobs on the Universal Jobsmatch website, and prove they have spent the required number of hours per week looking for additional work. If they cannot prove they have done what has been asked, or do not attend an interview without giving notice and a good reason, they may be subject to a sanction, where UC payments are stopped or reduced.


Also see page 20 regarding the new conditionality rules for parents introduced in April 2017.