It is estimated that 24 million people throughout the UK are recipients of benefits or State Pension
Brits have been warned that some vital payments could be stopped if they go into hospital this Christmas. Informing to tell the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) about certain changes could affect your benefits.
It’s estimated that 24 million people across the UK are recipients of benefits or State Pension from the DWP. Benefits such as Universal Credit can serve as a vital support for those in low-income employment or out of work, providing essential financial assistance to manage daily living expenses.
Disability benefits, including Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Attendance Allowance, can assist people in offsetting 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 reported by the Daily Record, there are several circumstances under which the DWP may reduce, suspend, or even terminate someone’s benefit claim – including travelling abroad for more than four weeks. But claimants might not realise that payments could also be halted if they are admitted to hospital.
Being hospitalised for even a single night over the festive season and neglecting to inform the relevant benefit department could result in your payments being reduced or stopped. The DWP has provided guidance on the GOV.UK website detailing what claimants need to do if they are hospitalised and will miss a Jobcentre Plus appointment.
Nevertheless, it also includes a caution which reads: “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 whilst receiving benefits.
DWP guidelines specify you must inform the office handling your benefit immediately if you:
- Enter hospital for one night or longer
- Enter a care home or rehabilitation facility for one night or longer
- Will miss a Jobcentre Plus appointment due to hospitalisation or a medical appointment
Nevertheless, should you be unable to contact the appropriate department personally, the DWP confirms a friend or family member may telephone on your behalf.
Information you must provide to DWP
You’ll be required to supply your:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- National Insurance number
- Partner’s information – if they feature on your claim
If you’re calling for a friend or family member, you must provide your name and contact information.
What happens if I’m admitted to hospital?
- You must supply particulars regarding your hospital admission, including:
- The precise date of your hospital admission
- The precise date of your discharge – if you have been discharged
- The hospital’s name where you were treated
- The ward’s name where you stayed – if known
- Whether you transferred between hospitals
- Any additional hospital admissions within the previous 28 days
- Your discharge destination, such as your residence or a care facility
Guidance from the DWP stipulates: “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.”
Complete information regarding the contact numbers can be located on the GOV.UK website here.
