DWP's major benefits update for people staying in hospital for one night or more

The Department for Work and Pensions has said it is working on a new digital channel for claimants to report changes in one place, but it won't be available for Universal Credit claimants

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed it's working on a fresh 'digital channel' aimed at making it simpler for those receiving disability benefits, other low-income benefits, and the State Pension to report any changes in circumstances. Particularly, this would ease the process for individuals who need to inform the department while hospitalised or away from home.

However, Sir Stephen Timms, the Minister for Social Security and Disabilities, acknowledged that this new system won't be operational for at least another year, and Universal Credit recipients are excluded. The rationale behind leaving out Universal Credit claimants is likely because they already have an online system to stay in touch with their work coaches and the DWP.

Conservative MP Neil O'Brien's query about how claimants of disability benefits or low/no income declare hospital stays led to this information coming to light. In his written response this Monday, Sir Stephen Timms stated that currently, "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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Sir Stephen further elaborated: "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."

Benefit recipients be aware: it's been reported by the Daily Record that various situations could lead the DWP to alter or even cease payments for example, if you venture abroad for more than a four-week period without informing them. Moreover, say you're admitted into hospital; this could also affect what lands in your bank account.

Notably, even failing to notify a single overnight hospital admission could trigger a reduction or a total stop to DWP 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.