The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is developing a revolutionary ‘digital channel’ to streamline the process for disability benefit claimants, amongst others, making it easier to report changes.
Yet Sir Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disabilities, has outlined that this advancement is still at least 12 months away from being launched, and Universal Credit recipients will not benefit from this new system as they already have an established digital service in place.
The revelations emerged when Conservative MP Neil O’Brien questioned the ease of reporting hospital stays by beneficiaries of disability or minimal income benefits.
Sir Stephen provided clarity on Monday in a written response, stating: “For disability benefits, the usual route for the customer to notify us of a hospital admission is either via phone or in writing.”
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.”
A Department for Work and Pensions spokesperson said: “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.”
Claimants of benefits should be vigilant as any misstep such as failing to report an overseas holiday exceeding four weeks or not informing the correct department when admitted to hospital, could lead to a suspension or cessation of their benefits , reports the Daily Record.
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:
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go into hospital for one night or longer
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go into a care home or rehabilitation centre for one night or longer
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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:
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:
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the exact date you went into hospital
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the exact date you left hospital – if you have left
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the name of the hospital you were in
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the name of the ward you were on – if you know it
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if you moved between hospitals
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any other hospital stays in the last 28 days
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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:
Disability benefits
Call the Disability Service Centre if you get:
Low or no income benefits
Call Jobcentre Plus if you get:
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Income Support
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Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
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Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
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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:
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Bereavement Allowance
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Carer’s Allowance
Full details of the numbers to call can be found on the GOV.UK website here.
