By Samantha Leathers

Copyright manchestereveningnews

Universal Credit provides much-needed support to people on low income. The Department for Work and Pensions has clarified that there are five specific work-related mistakes that could put your benefit claim in jeopardy – including not trying to improve your work and financial situation. Before receiving their first payment, claimants have agree to hold themselves a certain list of expectations and rules through what’s known as a Claimant Commitment . Ignoring or not upholding these commitments can see a person’s benefit claim reduced or stopped through sanctions . Although each commitment agreement is unique and set out by the DWP to meet the claimant’s individual needs and circumstances, there are some common requirements related to work. Claimant commitments specify how many hours per week a claimant should spend on work search activities. This can include things like applying for jobs, updating their CV or attending job interviews. Failing to meet this requirement can lead to a sanction if they don’t have a good reason for missing the mark. Citizens Advice recommends keeping a detailed diary to record all of your work-related activities, including the date and how long you spent doing it. The DWP cannot force claimants to take an opportunity that comes their way but it will require a good reason for them to refuse it without risking being sanctioned. This can include the job not being appropriate for them in their circumstances. The DWP does not provide a defined list of ‘good reasons’ but Citizens Advice highlighted some examples which could count such as costs for travel and childcare would be too high to make the job worthwhile or the claimant has a religious or ethical objection to the type of work on offer. Voluntarily leaving work or losing work due to misconduct can lead to a high level sanction on Universal Credit. This means payments could be reduced for up to six months. The claimant commitment will also set out other work-related activities and how much time per week a person should spend doing it. This can include enrolling and finishing a specific training course or workshop. If the claimant fails to attend or participate fully in these programs, a sanction can be put in place. At the Jobcentre, claimants will discuss work plans with their work coach. Missing or consistently being late for these appointments is also grounds for a sanction under the Universal Credit rules. It is a common reason for low-level sanctions to be issued. These usually last for a couple of days if the claimant has not received a sanction in the last year.