What happens if I miss a benefits appointment?
Missing an appointment at the Jobcentre ('Work Search Review') is the most common reason for sanctions. A sanction means your money is stopped for a set period. It is designed to punish you, but there are rules they must follow.
1 The Typical Timeline
If you take no action, this is the standard statutory process. Timescales are approximate but typical for 2026.
The Missed Appointment
You fail to attend. Your Work Coach marks it as a 'failure to participate'. Your payments aren't stopped *yet*.
Compliance Condition
You must book a new appointment. The sanction clock keeps ticking (adding days to your punishment) until you re-engage.
Good Reason Interview
They will ask why you missed it. If you have a 'Good Reason' (e.g., funeral, sick child, job interview), they should not sanction you.
Money Stopped
If they reject your reason, your next payment will differ. They deduct the 'Standard Allowance' per day of sanction.
2 Free Calculators & Checks
Don't wait for the payslip. Check exactly how much you will lose.
Sanction Calculator
How much money will you lose?
Open-ended until you re-book + 7 days fixed.
Estimated Total Loss
£90.30
Does not affect Housing Element or Child Element, only your Standard Allowance.
Emergency: If you cannot afford food or heating, apply for a "Hardship Payment" immediately. You will have to pay it back later, but it keeps you going now.
Was it unfair? Draft your 'Mandatory Reconsideration' in 2 minutes.
Sanction Appeal Builder
Write your "Mandatory Reconsideration" in seconds.
Need emergency cash? Check if you qualify for a Hardship Payment.
Hardship Payment Checker
Sanctioned? You might be able to get emergency money.
Note: Hardship payments are loans, you have to pay them back.
What is a 'Good Reason'?
DWP guidance accepts: Medical emergency (yourself or dependent), Bereavement (close family), Job Interview, or Transport failure (if proven). Taking a child to school is usually NOT a good reason unless they were unexpectedly sent home sick.
Sanction Rates (2025/26)
A 'Low Level' sanction (missed appointment) usually costs you 7 days of money PLUS the days you waited to rebook. If you ignore it for 3 weeks, you lose 28 days of money.
Summary of Options
Update Journal Immediately
Don't wait for them to call. Log in and explain WHY you missed it. 'I was sick' is valid if you provide details.
Request Hardship Payment
If you can't buy food or heat your home, you can ask for a Hardship Payment. This is a loan (60% of your sanction amount) you pay back later.
Mandatory Reconsideration
Always appeal. 20-30% of sanctions are overturned. Use our tool to write the appeal.
Common Questions
Will I lose my housing benefit?
NO. Sanctions only apply to your 'Standard Allowance'. Your Housing Element and Child Element should still be paid in full.
Can they sanction me for being late?
Technically yes, if you missed the slot. But if you arrive 10 mins late, argue that you 'participated'. Ask them to record your attendance.
How long does a sanction last?
For a missed appointment, it is 7 days (fixed) + the time until you rebook. If it's your second 'offence' in a year, it can be 14 or 28 days.
Official Sources & References
Related Situations
Other guides accurately explaining what happens next in benefits & admin .
What happens if my benefits are stopped?
Having benefits stopped or sanctioned creates an immediate financial crisis. Understanding whether it's a 'sanction' or an 'administrative stop' is the key to getting your money back.
What happens if I’m accused of benefit fraud?
A guide for those accused of benefit fraud - from initial letters to interviews under caution and potential court action.