Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) sanctions - Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) Hardship Payment help

A hardship payment is a reduced amount of Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) which you may be able to get if you have been refused Jobseeker's Allowance, or your benefit has been stopped, because of doubts about whether you are available for and actively seeking work. You may also be able to get them if:

• you have been sanctioned
• you are waiting for the Jobcentre Plus office to decide whether you meet the job seeking conditions
• your JSA has been stopped for a fixed period following a benefit fraud offence.

You cannot get a hardship payment if your only benefit income is New Style/Contributory Jobseeker's Allowance.You can only receive a hardship payment if your claim is still active, and you are actively searching for work.

You usually don’t have to repay Hardship Payments, and you can typically only get the payment 15 days after your Jobseeker’s Allowance payment was stopped.

You’ll also need to fill in and sign a ‘statement of hardship’, explaining which costs you’re struggling to pay and how your essential needs aren’t being met. You will have to provide evidence with your statement, such as bank statements, utility bills showing arrears, letters from your landlord showing arrears or budget sheets showing your income and costs.

Claiming Hardship Payments

If you want more information about hardship payments, and how to apply for them, you should ask in the Jobcentre Plus office.

You can also contact Jobcentre Plus to find out if you are eligible.

England, Scotland & Wales

• Telephone: 0800 169 0310
• Textphone: 0800 169 0314
• Welsh language 0800 328 1744

Northern Ireland

• Telephone: 0800 022 4250
• Textphone: 0800 587 1297