Failing to report a hospital stay to the DWP could see your benefits or State Pension payments reduced or stopped, affecting up to 24 million people across the UK
A warning has been issued that key payments could be suspended if individuals find themselves hospitalised this festive season. Failure to inform the Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) about certain changes could affect your benefits.
It’s believed that around 24 million people across the UK are recipients of benefits or State Pension from the DWP. Benefits such as Universal Credit serve as an essential safety net for those in low-income jobs or out of work, providing crucial financial assistance to cope with daily living expenses.
Disability benefits, including Personal Independence Payment ( PIP ) and Attendance Allowance, can assist people in managing the additional costs associated with living with a chronic illness or health condition. These regular payments can cover expenses like taxis, extra equipment, mobility scooters, wheelchairs, and even vehicle leases through the Motability Scheme.
However, as pointed out by the Daily Record, there are several circumstances where the DWP might reduce, suspend, or even terminate someone’s benefit claim – including travelling abroad for more than four weeks. But claimants may not realise that payments could also be halted if they are admitted to hospital.
A single night’s hospital stay over the Christmas period could see your benefit payments slashed or stopped completely if you fail to inform the relevant benefits office, reports the Express.
The DWP has published guidance on the GOV.UK website explaining what claimants must do when hospitalised and unable to make it to their Jobcentre Plus appointment.
But there’s a stark warning included: “Your claim might be stopped or reduced if you do not report a hospital stay.”
Here’s everything you need to understand about hospital admissions while receiving benefits.
DWP regulations require you to contact the office handling your benefit immediately if you:
- Are admitted to hospital for one night or more
- Go into a care home or rehabilitation centre for one night or more
- Cannot attend a Jobcentre Plus appointment because of hospitalisation or a medical appointment
Should you be unable to telephone the relevant department personally, the DWP confirms a family member or friend may call in your place.
Information you must provide to the DWP:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- National Insurance number
- Partner’s details – if they appear on your claim
When calling on behalf of a relative or friend, you must supply your own name and contact information.
What steps should I take if I’m hospitalised?
You’re obliged to furnish specific information about your hospital admission, including:
- The exact date you were admitted to the hospital
- The exact date of your discharge – if you have been discharged
- The name of the hospital where you received treatment
- The name of the ward where you were accommodated – if known
- Whether you were transferred between hospitals
- Any further hospital admissions within the last 28 days
- Your destination upon discharge, such as your home or a care facility
The DWP guidelines state: “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.”
Full details regarding contact numbers are available on the GOV.UK website here.
