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

There are three levels of sanctions for 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 on Contributory/New Style Jobseeker's Allowance 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.

A lower and intermediate level sanction on income-based Jobseeker's Allowance will last for:

• Four weeks for the first lower or intermediate sanction
• Four weeks for each sanction at the same level within the next two weeks
• 13 weeks for any further sanction within 52 weeks of a previous level sanction. 

Medium level

A medium level sanction on Contributory/New Style Jobseeker's Allowance 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 on Contributory/New Style Jobseeker's Allowance 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

A higher level sanction on income-based Jobseeker's Allowance will last for:

• 13 weeks for a first higher sanction
• 13 weeks for a second higher sanction within 2 weeks of a previous higher sanction
• 26 weeks for another higher level sanction within 52 weeks of a previous higher sanction