Hospital stays may affect your payments if you claim benefits (Image: Getty Images)
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed plans to introduce a new ‘digital channel’ that will allow recipients of disability benefits, other low-income supports and the to report changes easily. However, Minister for Social Security and Disabilities, Sir Stephen Timms, clarified that this system is “not expected to be complete for at least another 12 months” and won’t be extended to Universal Credit claimants.
The reasoning behind this could be attributed to the existing digital platform — the online journal — which allows claimants to communicate with work coaches and the already. These revelations came forward after Conservative MP Neil O’Brien enquired whether individuals receiving disability benefits, or those on low or no income benefits, have the ability to report a hospital admission via phone, or through something akin to the ‘Tell Us Once’ service.
In response, Sir Stephen stated: “For Disability Benefits, the usual route for the customer to notify us of a hospital admission is either via phone or in writing. Universal Credit customers can report a hospital stay via a phone call, they can also report it digitally via a journal message on their Universal Credit account or via a third party or supporter if consent has been given.”
Sir Stephen, the Minister, has announced: “The Department is working on a digital channel for customers which will allow them to tell us about changes in one place. We do have plans to enable this going forward, but the work is not expected to be complete for at least another 12 months. Disability Benefits, other low-income benefits and later life services are in-scope for this work, but, at present, Universal Credit is not.”
He further explained the rationale behind the temporary cessation of Personal Independent Payments (PIP) when a claimant is hospitalised, as reported by the Daily Record. Sir Stephen clarified that while entitlement to PIP remains unaffected, payments are paused after 28 days in hospital to prevent duplication of public funds.
He stated in a written response: “Where an adult aged 18 or over is maintained free of charge while undergoing medical or other treatment as an in-patient in a hospital or similar institution funded by the NHS, payment of (but not entitlement to) Personal Independence Payment (PIP) ceases after 28 days.”
He added: “This is on the basis that the NHS is responsible for not only the person’s medical care but also the entirety of their disability-related extra costs and to pay PIP in addition would be a duplication of public funds intended for the same purpose. Once someone is discharged from hospital, payment of PIP recommences from the date of discharge.”
The has issued a crucial update for Universal Credit claimants, confirming that “Entitlement and payment of the standard allowance of Universal Credit will not change if a customer goes into hospital for treatment and/ or care, regardless of the duration of the stay. If the customer has been found to have limited capacity for work or work-related activity, this element will continue to be paid alongside the Universal Credit standard allowance.”
Here’s what you need to know about your benefits if you’re heading to the hospital…
According to guidelines, it’s critical to alert your benefit office without delay if you: Spend more than one night in hospital. Check into a care home or rehabilitation centre for over a night.
Risk missing a Jobcentre Plus meeting due to hospitalisation or medical appointments. If you’re unable to inform them yourself, a friend or family member can step in for you.
What to tell the DWP
- National Insurance number
- full name
- partner’s details – if they are on your claim
- date of birth
And if calling for someone else, don’t forget to provide your own name and contact info.
Going into hospital?
Make sure to state the following to the :
- any other hospital stays in the last 28 days
- if you moved between hospitals
- the name of the hospital you were in
- the name of the ward you were on – if you know it
- the exact date you went into hospital
- where you were discharged to, for example your home or a care home
- the exact date you left hospital – if you have left
The Department for Work and Pensions () has issued guidance on how to report a hospital stay, stating: “Who you tell depends on which benefits you get. You might need to report your change to more than one organisation if you get more than one benefit.”
For Universal Credit, report a hospital stay of 24 hours or longer using your online account or contact the helpline. If you receive pension-age benefits such as , Pension Credit, or , call the Pension Service helpline.
For Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP), contact the Disability Service Centre. If you’re on low or no income benefits like Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), or Housing Benefit, reach out to Jobcentre Plus.
Remember to also inform your local council about a hospital stay if you claim Housing Benefit. If your child goes into hospital or ‘residential care’ for more than 12 weeks, notify the Child Benefit Office.
For other benefits like Bereavement Allowance or Carer’s Allowance, call the respective helplines. Full details of the numbers to call can be found on the