The Claimant Commitment 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.



Under the UC Youth Obligation, which takes effect from April 2017, 18- to 21-year-olds who have been claiming UC for six months will have to apply for either training or apprenticeships or attend a work placement, unless they are exempt because they are considered to be vulnerable.