Major DWP update on claimants being denied benefits during hospital stays

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced plans to create a new 'digital channel' to streamline the process for those on disability benefits, other low-income benefits, and the State Pension to report changes in their circumstances. This could make it much easier for people in hospital or other settings away from their homes, to notify the department.

However, Minister for Social Security and Disabilities, Sir Stephen Timms, has indicated that this development is not expected to be completed for at least another 12 months, and it will not include Universal Credit claimants. This decision may stem from the fact that Universal Credit claimants already use an online journal to communicate with their work coaches and the DWP.

The revelation emerged after Conservative MP Neil O'Brien enquired about the methods available for claimants on disability benefits, or those with low or no income, to report hospital stays. Sir Stephen clarified in his written response on Monday: "For disability benefits, the usual route for the customer to notify us of a hospital admission is either via phone or in writing."

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He added: "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.

"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."

There are multiple scenarios where the DWP might decide to alter, temporarily halt or completely cease someone's benefits - one instance being if an individual goes on an overseas holiday for more than four weeks without notifying them, reports the Daily Record. Furthermore, a hospital admission could similarly impact your payments.

Even a single overnight stay in hospital, not properly communicated to the appropriate benefits office, might lead to a reduction or cessation of payments. The DWP has provided guidance on the GOV.UK website on what claimants need to do if they are admitted to hospital and will miss a Jobcentre Plus appointment.

However, they also have a warning which states: “Your claim might be stopped or reduced if you do not report a hospital stay.”

Below is everything you need to know about going into hospital if you are claiming benefits.

DWP guidance states you must tell the office that pays your benefit as soon as possible if you:

• go into hospital for one night or longer
• go into a care home or rehabilitation centre for one night or longer
• will miss a Jobcentre Plus appointment because you’re in hospital or have a medical appointment

However, if you are unable to contact the relevant department yourself, DWP says a friend or relative can call them for you.

What you need to tell DWP

You will need to give your:

• full name
• date of birth
• National Insurance number
• partner’s details - if they are on your claim

And if you’re calling on behalf of a friend or relative, you need to give your name and contact details too.

What happens if I go into hospital?

You need to give details about your stay in hospital, including:

• the exact date you went into hospital
• the exact date you left hospital - if you have left
• the name of the hospital you were in
• the name of the ward you were on - if you know it
• if you moved between hospitals
• any other hospital stays in the last 28 days
• where you were discharged to, for example your home or a care home

How to report your hospital stay

DWP guidance states: “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.”

Universal Credit

Report a hospital stay of 24 hours or longer using your Universal Credit online account or contact the Universal Credit helpline.

Pension-age benefits

Call the Pension Service helpline if you get one or more of:

• State Pension
• Pension Credit
• Attendance Allowance - call the Attendance Allowance helpline if you only get Attendance Allowance

Disability benefits

Call the Disability Service Centre if you get:

• Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Low or no income benefits

Call Jobcentre Plus if you get:

• Income Support
• Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Housing Benefit - you also need to tell your local council about a hospital stay if you claim Housing Benefit.

Child Benefit

Tell the Child Benefit Office if your child goes into hospital or ‘residential care’ for more than 12 weeks.

Other benefits

Call the helpline for each benefit to report a hospital stay if you get:

• Bereavement Allowance
• Carer’s Allowance

Full details of the numbers to call can be found on the GOV.UK website here.