New Style Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) sanctions - How long will a New Style Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) sanction last?

There are three levels of sanctions for New Style Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA), which last for set periods of time depending on what you may have failed to do.

• Lower level
• Medium level
• Higher level

Lower level

The lower level of sanction applies if you are asked to do something that will improve your chances of finding or preparing for work and you don't do it. This includes things like:

• Losing a place on a training scheme through misconduct
• Failing to attend or giving up a place on a training scheme
• Failing to attend an interview at Jobcentre Plus
• Failing to carry out part of your jobseeker's agreement.

A lower level sanction will last for:

• Seven days plus the number of days it takes you to do whatever you failed to do, as long as this is your first sanction in the past year, or
• Up to 28 days plus the number of days it takes you to do whatever you failed to do, if you have been sanctioned in the past year. 

Medium level

A medium level sanction will apply if you aren't looking for, or making yourself available for work. A medium level sanction last for:

• Four weeks for a first sanction
• 13 weeks for any further sanction within 52 weeks of a previous sanction.

Higher level

The higher level sanction may apply if, for example, you:

• Leave a job voluntarily
• Lose a job through misconduct
• Fail to take up a job or mandatory work activity without a good reason.

A higher level sanction will last for:

• 13 weeks for a first higher sanction
• 26 weeks for a second higher sanction within 52 weeks of a previous higher sanction