Universal Credit: DWP changes sanction rules amid coronavirus crisis | Personal Finance | Finance

However, according to Metro, there were no such circumstances set out.

In response to the update from the Secretary of State on sanctions faced by benefit claimants, Rt Hon Stephen Timms MP, Chair of the Work and Pensions Committee, said on Thursday: “At a time of unprecedented national crisis, the last thing people need to be worrying about is a benefit sanction.

“And DWP staff must be allowed to prioritise the enormous influx of Universal Credit claims, so that people get the money they need as quickly as possible.

“The Secretary of State must clear this up quickly: will anyone be at risk of being sanctioned in the next three months?”