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Full PIP and Universal Credit rules for hospital stays to prevent payment loss

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The DWP has strict rules when it comes to reporting changes in circumstances – and this includes when you’re in hospital. Here’s everything you need to know

20s male patient in hospital bed listening to doctor and nurse in hospital
The DWP could penalise you if you go into hospital(Image: Getty Images)

People on PIP, Universal Credit, and other benefits could risk losing their claim if they’re hospitalised. This is due to stringent Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) regulations that you need to stick to.

These rules state that benefit recipients must report any significant changes that might impact their claim, even if it’s a temporary shift. While some updates like a name change or switching doctors don’t need to be flagged, a hospital stay does.

According to DWP guidelines, you should notify the office that handles your benefits as soon as possible if you’ve spent a night or more in hospital or a rehab centre, or if a hospital stay or medical appointment will cause you to miss a Jobcentre Plus meeting. Failing to report this could lead to your claim being slashed or completely halted, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Reporting a hospital stay

Help, healthcare and a doctor with a patient in surgery for pulse, holding hands or support
Hospital stays generally need to be reported(Image: Getty Images)

When discussing a hospital stay with the DWP, you’ll need to share some personal information. This includes your full name, date of birth, National Insurance number, and details about your partner if they’re part of your claim.

You’ll also need to provide specifics about your hospital stay:

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

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How to make a report for your benefit

The method for reporting your hospital stay varies depending on the benefit you’re claiming. You might also need to make multiple reports if you’re receiving more than one benefit from different departments.

Doctor next to hospital bed
A variety of benefits need to report hospital stays(Image: Getty Images)

Here’s a rundown of how to report a change for all relevant benefits:

  • Attendance Allowance – call the Pension Service helpline on 0800 731 0469
  • Child Benefit – contact HMRC if the child is in hospital for more than 12 weeks or residential care for more than eight weeks
  • Disability Living Allowance (DLA) – call the Disability Service Centre at 0800 121 4433
  • Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) – call Jobcentre Plus at 0800 169 0310
  • Housing Benefit – contact your local council
  • Income Support – call Jobcentre Plus at 0800 169 0310
  • Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) – call Jobcentre Plus at 0800 169 0310
  • Pension Credit – call the Pension Service helpline on 0800 731 0469
  • Personal Independence Payment (PIP) – call the Disability Service Centre at 0800 121 4433
  • State Pension – call the Pension Service helpline on 0800 731 0469
  • Universal Credit – make a report via your Universal Credit online account

If you’re unable to get in touch with the office responsible for your benefit, a friend or relative can ring up on your behalf, provided they have the necessary details at hand.

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