To receive Universal Credit payments, you must agree to a claimant commitment. This is an agreement outlining what you need to do to:
- Prepare for and look for work
- Increase your earnings if you are already working
If you live with a partner, you will both need to claim Universal Credit separately and each have your own claimant commitment.
Failing to follow the agreed commitments may lead to a sanction, meaning your Universal Credit payments could be reduced or stopped. However, if a medical professional confirms you are nearing the end of life, you will not need to sign a claimant commitment and won’t face any sanctions.
How to Agree to Your Claimant Commitment
- You will have a meeting at the jobcentre to discuss your claimant commitment.
- In this meeting, you will talk about your circumstances, including any difficulties that may make it hard for you to meet your commitment (e.g., mental health conditions or caring responsibilities).
- You must accept your claimant commitment in your online account, or your Universal Credit claim will be stopped.
Your claimant commitment is reviewed regularly and will change if your circumstances change (e.g., you become ill, your partner starts a job, or you have a child).
When You Need to Look for Work
Depending on your situation, you may need to:
- Look for a job
- Search for a better-paid job if you are already working
- Increase your working hours
Your job search requirements depend on whether you:
- Have a health condition or disability
- Care for someone
- Have a child under 13
- Earn above the administrative earnings threshold
If you cannot work now but will be able to in the future, you may be required to prepare for work by:
- Writing a CV
- Attending training courses
Role of Your Work Coach
If you need to look for work, a work coach will help you with:
- Job applications
- Finding local job opportunities
- Accessing training and skill development programs
Attending Appointments
- You may need to attend regular jobcentre appointments.
- Some appointments may be conducted by phone.
- If you miss an appointment, you must provide a valid reason.
If your reason is not accepted, you may receive a sanction, meaning your Universal Credit payment will be reduced.
Managing Your Universal Credit Claim Online
- You must manage your Universal Credit account online.
- You may need to:
- Reply to messages
- Record childcare costs
- Provide updates on job searches
You will receive a text or email notification when you need to complete a task in your online account.
It is also your responsibility to report any changes in your circumstances.
Getting Help with Your Claim
You should contact the Universal Credit helpline if you:
- Cannot manage your claim online and need to claim by phone
- Are unable to meet your claimant commitment
- Cannot respond to a message or complete an online task
- Will miss an appointment
If you have an emergency (such as a death in the family or risk of homelessness), you may request:
- A temporary pause on your claimant commitment
- A change in your agreed commitments
What Happens If Your Payment Is Stopped or Reduced?
If you fail to meet the conditions of your claimant commitment, you may receive a sanction, which means your Universal Credit payment could be reduced or stopped.
Help If You Get a Sanction
If a sanction prevents you from affording rent, heating, food, or hygiene needs, you can apply for a hardship payment through Universal Credit.
The claimant commitment is an essential part of receiving Universal Credit. It sets out what you must do to prepare for work, find a job, or increase your earnings. If you fail to follow your commitment, you could face a sanction, reducing or stopping your payments.
To avoid issues, always attend appointments, update your account, and report any changes in your circumstances. If you struggle to meet your commitment, contact Universal Credit support for help.
FAQ’s
What is a Universal Credit claimant commitment?
A claimant commitment is an agreement outlining what you must do to receive Universal Credit, such as job searching or increasing your earnings.
What happens if I don’t follow my claimant commitment?
If you fail to meet your commitment, you may receive a sanction, which could reduce or stop your Universal Credit payments.
Can I change my claimant commitment?
Yes, your commitment is reviewed regularly and can be updated if your circumstances change, such as illness, childcare, or employment.
What if I miss a Universal Credit appointment?
If you miss an appointment, you must provide a valid reason. If your reason is not accepted, you could face a sanction and a reduced payment.
What should I do if I can’t afford essentials due to a sanction?
If a sanction leaves you unable to pay for rent, food, or bills, you can apply for a hardship payment from Universal Credit.
