DWP delay means people who claim benefits in hospital 'face penalties'

The Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) is developing a revolutionary 'digital channel' to streamline the process for disability benefit claimants, making it easier to report changes.

A new system for benefits and pensions will see a delay as some in hospital face penalties. The Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) is developing a revolutionary 'digital channel' to streamline the process for disability benefit claimants, making it easier to report changes.

Neil O'Brien MP, Conservative MP for Harborough, Oadby and Wigston, reached out in the Commons "to ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether claimants of (a) disability benefits and (b) low or no income benefits can report a hospital stay via a phone call; and if her Department will take steps to introduce a tell me once system."

Sir Stephen Timms from the Labour Party said: "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.

READ MORE State pensioners handed free £473 each under bumper Triple Lock hike

"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."

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 rehabilitation centre for one night or longer or will miss a Jobcentre Plus appointment because you’re in hospital or have a medical appointment.

You must also tell them if you go into a care home and get benefits.