Here’s what you need to know about reporting these changes
Failing to inform the DWP of certain changes could see your benefits stopped (Image: Getty)
People have been cautioned that certain crucial payments may be halted if they are hospitalised this Christmas. Failing to notify the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) about specific changes could impact your benefits.
It’s estimated that 24 million people across the UK receive benefits or State Pension from the DWP. Benefits such as Universal Credit can act as a critical lifeline for those in low-income jobs or unemployed, offering vital financial support to manage everyday living costs.
Disability benefits, including Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Attendance Allowance, can help people cover the extra costs associated with living with a chronic illness or health condition. These regular payments can cater for expenses like taxis, additional equipment, mobility scooters, wheelchairs, and even vehicle leases through the Motability Scheme.
However, as highlighted by the Daily Record, there are several situations where the DWP might reduce, suspend, or even terminate someone’s benefit claim – including travelling overseas for more than four weeks. But claimants may not be aware that payments could also be stopped if they are admitted to hospital.
Around 24 million people across the UK are claiming benefits or State Pension (Image: Getty)
Being admitted to hospital for just one night during the Christmas period and failing to notify the appropriate benefits office could lead to your payments being cut or halted entirely. The DWP has issued guidance on the GOV.UK website outlining what benefit recipients must do if they’re hospitalised and unable to attend a Jobcentre Plus appointment.
However, it also contains a warning stating: “Your claim might be stopped or reduced if you do not report a hospital stay.”
Here’s what you need to know about hospital admissions whilst claiming benefits.
DWP rules state you must contact the office managing your benefit straight away 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
However, if you’re unable to ring the relevant department yourself, the DWP confirms that a relative or friend can call on your behalf.
Details you must give to DWP:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- National Insurance number
- Partner’s details – if they appear on your claim
If you’re phoning for a relative or friend, you must give your name and contact details.
What should I do if I’m hospitalised?
You are required to provide specific details about your hospital stay, 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
According to DWP guidelines: “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.”
Comprehensive information regarding contact numbers can be found on the GOV.UK website here.
