Universal Credit sanctions could include free NHS prescriptions and dental care

06 October 2023 , 10:34

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Free NHS prescriptions and dental care could be cut as part of the Government's plan for tougher sanctions for Universal Credit (Image: Getty Images)

New Universal Credit sanctions which are reportedly being considered by the Government include cutting free NHS prescriptions and dental care.

In a speech delivered at the Conservative Party conference this week, Jeremy Hunt unveiled plans for tougher benefit restrictions on those who “won’t even look for work”. He also confirmed that he and Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride will “look again at the benefits sanctions regime“.

One measure reportedly being discussed by civil servants is to halt the eligibility for free NHS prescriptions and dental care for those who are sanctioned reports Politics Home. Those who continue to claim them while sanctioned would then be fined. The amount this potential fine could be is unknown.

Politics Home said the proposals reported "have been under discussion in Whitehall". Tougher sanctions could come for claimants who do not comply with Jobcentre requirements. Another measure reportedly being discussed is those who are sanctioned for six months could have their Universal Credit claims closed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

They would then not be able to reopen their claim for a period of time - this period of time could potentially be three months. These new rules are understood to not impact claimants who receive the receive the disability, housing or child elements of Universal Credit.

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It should be noted that the Government has not officially confirmed its plan for tougher benefit sanctions. The Government will likely confirm their plan in the Autumn Statement on November 22, which may, or may not, end up including the measures being discussed above.

What is a Universal Credit sanction?

Sanctions are penalties given to people for failing to meet the conditions of their benefit claim. If you get a sanction, then your Universal Credit payment will usually be reduced.

There are different sanctions depending on which "conditionality group" you’re in and can range from a few days up to 182 days. The sanction reductions are applied after taking your earnings and unearned income into account.

The amount of Universal Credit you will lose for your sanction will depend on how you get each month. If there isn’t enough of your Universal Credit left to take the full sanction amount, your Universal Credit payment will be reduced to zero.

The DWP has declined to comment.

Ruby Flanagan