How to get emergency money if your Universal Credit has been cut by a sanction

If your Universal Credit (UC) has been reduced because of a sanction, it can feel like the floor has dropped out. A sanction cuts your payment when DWP decides you have not met a condition of your claim — for example, missing a Jobcentre meeting. If this has happened to you, there is emergency money available called a hardship payment.

What is a hardship payment?

A hardship payment is money from DWP to help you cover basic costs such as food, bills, and rent while the sanction is running. It is worth around 60% of the amount your UC was reduced by. So if your payment was cut by £300, a hardship payment could give you back around £180.

The payment is a loan. Once the sanction ends, DWP takes the money back in small amounts from your future UC payments each month until it is fully repaid.

Who can apply?

You can apply for a hardship payment if:

• your UC standard allowance has been reduced or stopped because of a sanction
• you are 18 or over (or 16 if the payment was reduced because of a fraud penalty)
• you have tried other ways to find money first

DWP will ask what you have done to cover your costs — for example, whether you have contacted your council or looked for help from a local charity. You will not be expected to sell your belongings, move home, or take out a loan or credit card.

How to apply

There are three ways to ask for a hardship payment:

• Leave a message on your UC online journal.
• Call the Universal Credit helpline.
• Speak to your work coach at the Jobcentre.

You do not have to wait until your next payment date. You can apply at any point while the sanction is active. DWP will normally ask you to come in to a Jobcentre to provide a bit more information before the payment is approved.

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Challenge the sanction at the same time

You can also ask DWP to look at the sanction decision again. This is called a mandatory reconsideration. You normally have one month from the date on the sanction letter to ask. Citizens Advice can help you write the request for free — you do not need a lawyer or adviser.

If the sanction is making it hard to pay your rent, tell your landlord as soon as you can. Many landlords will agree a short repayment plan rather than go to court — especially if you keep them informed.

Act quickly

The sooner you apply for a hardship payment, the sooner money can reach you. Apply as soon as you notice your UC has been cut. If you are not sure what to do next, contact Citizens Advice — the advice is free and they can talk through all your options with you.