Manage a session timeout

Warn users about session timeouts and let them extend the session

Use this pattern to let users extend their session when it is about to end and explain what has happened after a session has timed out.

This pattern helps services meet the Extend condition of WCAG 2.2 success criterion 2.2.1, 'Timing Adjustable'. This says that to meet level AA a service must warn users before a session timeout occurs and allow them to extend the time limit.

When to use this pattern

A service with sessions will normally end a session automatically after a certain amount of time if the user takes no action. If your service has an automatic timeout you should use this pattern to warn users and allow them to extend the session if they want to.

You should warn a user at least 2 minutes before the end of this time. This will give them time to decide if they want to keep using the service.

Design goals and metrics

The pattern aims to provide a consistent way for DWP services to warn users about timeouts and allow them to extend their session. This is required for services to meet accessibility standards.

Services using this pattern

This pattern uses the HMRC frontend timeout component, which has been implemented in a number of DWP services including:

• Apply for Access to Work
• Apply for Pension Credit
• Apply for Carer's Allowance

An alternative modal dialog can be found on the GOV.UK Design System community backlog.

Discuss on GitHub

There is a public discussion for this topic on GitHub where you can share anything you think might be useful. Discuss Manage a session timeout on GitHub.

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Last updated: 1 August 2021