If you claim Universal Credit, you usually have to agree a Claimant Commitment, setting out what you will do in return for your benefit. What is expected depends heavily on your circumstances, and getting it right matters, because not meeting it can lead to a sanction. This guide explains the Claimant Commitment, what it can require, and how to make sure yours reflects your situation.
What the Claimant Commitment is
The Claimant Commitment is an agreement between you and the DWP, setting out what you are expected to do to prepare for or look for work, or to increase your earnings, as a condition of receiving Universal Credit. You usually agree it with a work coach at the start of your claim, and you must accept it for your claim to go ahead. It is reviewed and can be updated as your circumstances change.
It depends on your circumstances
What your Claimant Commitment requires depends on your situation, and people fall into different groups. Some claimants have no work-related requirements at all, for example because they have limited capability for work, are a full-time carer, or have a very young child. Others are expected to prepare for work, look for work, or take steps to earn more. Your commitment should reflect which group you are in, so it is important this is correct.
If you cannot work or have caring duties
If you have a health condition that limits your capability for work, or you care for someone, or you have a young child, your requirements should be reduced or removed accordingly. For example, carers providing substantial care and parents of very young children are not expected to look for work. Make sure your work coach knows about your health, caring responsibilities and childcare, so your commitment is realistic and does not ask more of you than is reasonable.
Looking for work
If you are expected to look for work, your commitment will usually set out how many hours a week you should spend searching and what you should do, such as applying for jobs, registering with agencies, and attending interviews. The amount expected is often based on treating looking for work like a job itself. Keeping a record of everything you do helps you show you are meeting your commitment if you are ever asked.
Attending appointments
Your commitment will usually include attending appointments with your work coach at the Jobcentre, in person, by phone or online. It is important to attend these, or to tell your work coach in advance if you cannot, with a good reason. Missing an appointment without good reason is one of the most common causes of a sanction, so always let them know as early as you can if something prevents you attending.
If you cannot meet your commitment
If something stops you meeting part of your commitment, such as illness, a crisis, or a problem with childcare or transport, tell your work coach as soon as possible and explain the reason. Many requirements can be adjusted, and a good reason for not meeting a requirement can prevent a sanction. The worst thing to do is simply not comply without explanation, as that is what leads to payments being cut.
If you are sanctioned
If your payment is reduced because you are said not to have met your commitment, you can challenge it if you had a good reason, by asking for a Mandatory Reconsideration and then appealing if necessary. You may also be able to apply for a hardship payment if a sanction leaves you unable to meet basic needs. Get advice quickly, as sanctions can often be challenged successfully, especially where there was a genuine reason.
Keeping a record of your job search
If you are expected to look for work, keep a clear record of everything you do, such as the jobs you apply for, the dates, and any responses, as well as training and appointments you attend. Recording this in your Universal Credit journal or your own notes means you can easily show you are meeting your commitment. Good records protect you if there is ever a question about whether you have done what was agreed.
When requirements should be eased
There are times when your work-related requirements should be reduced or switched off altogether, for example if you are unwell, have just had a baby, are dealing with a domestic crisis, or are affected by bereavement. The system allows for these situations, but only if your work coach knows about them. Always tell your work coach what is happening, so your commitment can be adjusted and you are not penalised for something outside your control.
Reviewing your commitment
Your Claimant Commitment is not fixed forever; it is reviewed and updated as your circumstances change. If something significant changes, such as your health, your caring responsibilities, or your childcare, ask for your commitment to be reviewed so it stays realistic. Keeping your commitment in line with your real situation is the best way to make sure you can meet it and avoid the risk of a sanction for something you could not reasonably do.
Different rules for different groups
It is worth understanding that Universal Credit divides claimants into groups with very different requirements, from no requirements at all to full work search. Which group you are in depends on your health, your caring responsibilities, the age of your youngest child, and your earnings. If you think you are in the wrong group, or your commitment asks more of you than your situation allows, raise it with your work coach and get advice, as being in the right group makes a big difference.
In short
The Claimant Commitment sets out what you must do for your Universal Credit, from looking for work to preparing for it, or nothing at all if you cannot work or have caring duties. Make sure it reflects your health, caring and childcare, keep a record of what you do, and always tell your work coach if you cannot meet a requirement, to avoid a sanction.
Earning and the commitment
If you are working but on a low income, your Claimant Commitment may still ask you to try to increase your earnings or hours, depending on how much you earn. Once your earnings are high enough, these requirements fall away. If you are already working as much as you can, or your circumstances limit what you can do, explain this to your work coach so your commitment reflects it rather than asking for more than is realistic.
It works both ways
The Claimant Commitment sets out your responsibilities, but the system also has responsibilities to you, including treating you fairly, taking your circumstances into account, and giving you support to meet your commitment. If you feel your commitment is unreasonable or your circumstances are being ignored, you can challenge it and seek advice. Understanding that it is meant to be a two-way agreement helps you stand up for a commitment that genuinely fits your situation.
Where to get help
Citizens Advice can help you make sure your commitment is reasonable and challenge any sanction. See our guides to Universal Credit sanctions and the Universal Credit.