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‘I'm worried about Jobseeker’s Allowance Sanctions’
> ‘What can I do if I've been sanctioned?’
>> ‘I want to know about hardship payments’

There’s no getting away from it: if you get a Jobseeker’s Allowance sanction you’re in a difficult position.

However there may be some help for you.

But first you need to check whether you are getting income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance or contribution based Jobseeker's Allowance. If you’re not sure, check with the Jobcentre Plus, but as you can only get contribution based Jobseeker's Allowance for 6 months it follows that if you’ve been on Jobseeker's Allowance for more than 6 months it must be income based Jobseeker's Allowance.

If you’re on income based Jobseeker's Allowance…


icon-key1.jpgThe following quotation is from the DWP's 'Decision Makers' Guide, paragraph 35212:

"Note: It is not considered reasonable to expect claimants to rely upon charities, such as food banks, increase debts by seeking credit or using or extending overdraft facilities, sell or pawn items to obtain cash, find cheaper housing or ask friends and family for help in order to meet their essential needs. Whilst claimants may be prepared to request such help there should be no requirement to do so and claimants should not be denied access to hardship payments if they don’t"

You may need to remind Jobcentre Plus staff of this.

If you are on contribution based Jobseeker's Allowance…



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