Benefit sanction and poorly child

Elihc

Hello I've been sanctioned by UC and we really can't afford the financial hit and I don't know what to do. 

My daughter had emergency surgery and was transferred to a specialist hospital for care. We're staying in the hospital with her as it's a 200 mile trip. 

I failed to attend an appointment with my work coach as I completely forgot and they've sanctioned me. I explained the situation but they just don't care and said will keep charging every day until I go back and have a 10 minute meeting with my work coach. I asked to do it by phone but they said no and until I go in person will continue sanctioning me. 
We can't afford to travel back for this meeting and my daughter isn't stable so I don't want to leave her and be that far away.

Please if anyone has advice please please let me know. 

Alex_Alumni

Hi there @Elihc and thanks for reaching out, I hope your daughter recovers soon, I'm sorry to hear what's happened! 

Citizens Advice has information on what to do if you think you have been unfairly sanctioned as well as hardship payments, which you might find useful. 

You need to ask for a Mandatory Reconsideration to challenge the sanction. If you need any additional help with this please let us know, and we'll do what we can to support you.

Alex_Alumni

Hi @Elihc I hope you're doing okay, has anything happened since you last posted?