The number of sanctions issued against Universal Credit claimants in Scotland has almost doubled in the last three years.
Figures obtained by the SNP show that 3692 sanctions were issued in October 2019 - but that figure jumped to 7342 by May this year.
The party claimed issuing sanctions against Universal Credit claimants were "callous and ineffective" at a time many Scots were struggling to make ends meet due to the cost of living.
The UK Government last week announced a tightening of rules for people who work part-time but are still eligible for the benefit.
Claimants working up to 15 hours a week at the minimum wage will have to look for more or better paid work.
They risk having their benefits reduced if they do not take steps to increase their earnings and meet regularly with a work coach.
Elena Whitham, SNP MSP for Carrick and Cumnock, said: "The Tory DWP system is completely failing to provide an adequate safety net for households across Scotland.
"These failures have been made worse by the Tory-made cost of living crisis as millions struggle to pay their bills and are falling into poverty due to the lack of action from the Tory UK government.
"Sanctions are callous and ineffective at getting people into work that pays, they should be scrapped and replaced with a system that is centred around dignity.
"In Scotland, we are building a system that is based on fairness and respect, there are no sanctions as part of the social security system in Scotland.
"The Scottish Government continues to provide support to households with one hand-tied behind its back, the only way we can fully support people across Scotland is with the full range of powers that independence would bring."
A spokesman for the DWP said: "People are only sanctioned if they fail, without good reason, to meet the conditions to which they agreed.
"Sanctions can often quickly be resolved by re-engaging with the Jobcentre and attending the next appointment.
"Hardship payments are available as a safeguard to claimants who demonstrate that they cannot meet their immediate and most essential needs as a result of their sanction."
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