| answer text |
<p>The Autumn Statement 2023 claim closure measure will introduce legislation to close
the claim of those on work-related benefits who do not re-engage for a continuous
period of six months or more following an open-ended sanction decision. It remains
unchanged that customers usually lose 100% of their Universal Credit Standard Allowance
when a sanction is applied.</p><p> </p><p>The claim closure measure will not be applied
where a customer receives additional amounts of Universal Credit (UC) for childcare,
housing, or a disability. Where those in receipt of an additional amount of UC remain
disengaged for a period of 2 months or more following an open-ended sanction, Targeted
Case Reviews (TCR) will be conducted to encourage these customers to re-engage and
to confirm their benefit entitlement. The TCR process forms part of our wider fraud
and error agenda to ensure we are paying customers what they are entitled to, and
a review could result in the customers benefit payment being maintained, reduced,
or increased.</p><p> </p><p>For customers who demonstrate that they cannot meet their
immediate and most essential needs as a result of a sanction, we have a well-established
system of hardship payments. These needs can include heating, food, and hygiene.</p>
|
|
