Jobseekers Allowance SanctionsWhat are JSA Sanctions?If you are claiming JSA, you may have a sanction applied to your claim, this is a reduction in your benefit. You might be sanctioned if you:• left your job voluntarily (but not in the case of voluntary redundancy)• lost your job due to misconduct• fail to apply for or accept a job that is offered to you • fail to show that you are available for, and actively seeking work• fail to attend a compulsory training or employment scheme• fail to carry out a direction from a Jobcentre Plus adviser.

How much will a sanction be?The amount of the sanction will depend on whether you are single or in a couple making a joint claim.If you are single the amount of a sanction will be all of your JSA personal allowance.If you are a couple and you are both receiving a sanction, the sanction will be all of your JSA couple's personal allowance.If you are a couple but only one of you is being sanctioned, the sanction will reduce your JSA couple's personal allowance to the single person's allowance (so the member of the couple who is not being sanctioned still receives some JSA).

How long will a sanction last?There are three levels of sanctions which last for set periods of time depending on what you may have failed to do.

‘Good reason’ why a sanction should not be appliedA sanction will not be applied if you can show that you had ‘good reason’ for the action that led to a sanction being considered.'Good reason' is not defined in legislation, it will depend on your circumstances.The following are examples of factors which should be taken into account:• If you are a victim of domestic violence you can be treated as available for and

actively seeking work for up to 13 weeks. Even after that a fear of domestic violence may mean you have good reason for refusing or leaving employment

• If you have a mental health condition or disorder, or if you are homeless• If you are a victim of bullying or harassment at work, or you left your job because

you were a whistle blower.

Top tips for avoiding sanctionsDon’t assume that your personal adviser has any knowledge at all about your health conditions or disabilities, if you have any.

Ensure that your jobseeker’s agreement or claimant commitment is as realistic as possible and takes into account any specific health or disability-related limitations you have.

Try to get to every appointment early. People are unfairly sanctioned just for being a few minutes late.

Always ask for everything in writing, where possible. If something is agreed over the telephone, write or email confirming it.

Keep every bit of paper, text and email you receive. You might need them as evidence.

Record every telephone call if you can. It’s not illegal and you don’t have to inform the DWP or private sector provider that you are doing it.

If you’re given an unreasonable instruction, use the jobcentre plus complaints procedure immediately.

If you’re unfairly threatened with a sanction, or actually sanctioned, immediately complain in writing to your MP’s office. If you are unfairly sanctioned then challenge the decision via the mandatory reconsideration and appeal process.

If you don’t do something in your agreement which was mandatory, always explain in writing if you had good cause for not doing it.

For advice and assistance contactMerseyside Welfare Rights35-37 Bold Street, Liverpool, L1 4DNDrop-in Monday to Wednesday 9.45am to 12.30pm