2. Questions about sanctions Gaps in Help

3. Introduction Current sanctions regime introduced 2012 Welfare Reform Event September 2013 Stockton Welfare Advice Network October 2013 Sanctions Report 2014 www.stocktonadvice.org.uk

4. An overview of sanctions Benefit sanctions are limitations to welfare benefits that are imposed on claimants who do not follow the benefit rules. Benefit Sanctions have been used to encourage action (e.g. to actively seek work) or to discourage action (e.g. voluntarily leaving work, non-attendance at interviews). There are three JSA sanction types: low level, intermediate level and higher level sanctions (4 weeks- 3years) www.stocktonadvice.org.uk

5. Levels of Sanctions You may get a lower level sanction (4 or 13 weeks) if: you don’t go to meetings on time with your work coach or take part in interviews You may get an intermediate level sanction (4 or 13 weeks), and your claim may be ended, if: you aren’t available for and actively seeking work You’ll get a higher level sanction (13 to 156 weeks) if: you were dismissed for misconduct from your last job www.stocktonadvice.org.uk

6. ESA sanctions ESA basic rate WRAG Work focused interviews Work related activity Support www.stocktonadvice.org.uk

7. Sanction Report conclusions claimants do not appear to universally understand what actions may make them liable to be sanctioned, or what the impact of such sanctions could be. There is a need to ensure clients are fully informed about the impact of sanctions and that any negative effects are minimised. www.stocktonadvice.org.uk

8. Today’s agenda PERSPECTIVE- real life examples Tracey Herrington- Thrive Project Manager PREVENTION – How to avoid being sanctioned Billy Parks- Manager Stockton Welfare Rights Service CURE- what to do if you are sanctioned Mike Robinson- Welfare Benefits and Community Care Manager at SDAIS Q&A- ask the experts YOUR STORIES www.stocktonadvice.org.uk

9. SIGNPOST PEOPLE TO THE SWAN WEBSITE Information under BENEFITS- How to Deal with Benefit Problems www.stocktonadvice.org.uk