The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued an update on when payments for PIP and Universal Credit could be paused. Personal Independent Payments (PIP) may be paused when someone is hospitalised and resume once the person is discharged.
The information was revealed in a statement by Minister for Social Security and Disabilities, Sir Stephen Timms. It comes as they announced details of a digitial channel that will allow recipients of disability benefits, other low-income supports and the State Pension to report changes with ease, officials say.
However, Sir Timms stated that this system is “not expected to be complete for at least another 12 months”. And it won’t be extended to Universal Credit claimants.
This could be due to the existing digital platform — the online journal — which allows claimants to communicate with work coaches and the DWP. The information came to light after Conservative MP Neil O’Brien asked whether individuals receiving disability benefits, or those on low or no income benefits can report a hospital admission via phone, or through a service similar to ‘Tell Us Once’.
In response, Sir Stephen 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.”
Sir Stephen, the DWP Minister, has revealed that the department is developing a digital channel for customers to report changes in one place. However, he warned that this work is not expected to be completed for at least another year.
He confirmed that disability benefits, other low-income benefits and later life services are included in this plan, but Universal Credit is currently not, as reported by the Daily Record. He also explained why Personal Independent Payments (PIP) may be paused when someone is hospitalised.
Importantly, he emphasised that entitlement to PIP or any other disability benefit is not affected, it’s just a pause on payments. In a written response to Mr O’Brien, Sir Stephen clarified: “Where an adult aged 18 or over is maintained free of charge while undergoing medical or other treatment as an in-patient in a hospital or similar institution funded by the NHS, payment of (but not entitlement to) Personal Independence Payment (PIP) ceases after 28 days.”
He added: “This is on the basis that the NHS is responsible for not only the person’s medical care but also the entirety of their disability-related extra costs and to pay PIP in addition would be a duplication of public funds intended for the same purpose. Once someone is discharged from hospital, payment of PIP recommences from the date of discharge.”
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a statement, saying: “Entitlement and payment of the standard allowance of Universal Credit will not change if a customer goes into hospital for treatment and/ or care, regardless of the duration of the stay. If the customer has been found to have limited capacity for work or work-related activity, this element will continue to be paid alongside the Universal Credit standard allowance.”
If you’re on benefits and heading to the hospital, the DWP insists it’s crucial to alert your benefit office swiftly if you:
Should you find yourself unable to notify them, a friend or relative can get in touch on your behalf.
And if calling for someone else, don’t forget to provide your own name and contact info.
Make sure to state the following to the DWP:
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued guidance on how to report a hospital stay, stating: “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.”
For Universal Credit, report a hospital stay of 24 hours or longer using your online account or contact the helpline. If you receive pension-age benefits such as State Pension, Pension Credit, or Attendance Allowance, call the Pension Service helpline.
For Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP), contact the Disability Service Centre. If you’re on low or no income benefits like Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), or Housing Benefit, reach out to Jobcentre Plus.
Remember to also inform your local council about a hospital stay if you claim Housing Benefit. If your child goes into hospital or ‘residential care’ for more than 12 weeks, notify the Child Benefit Office.
For other benefits like Bereavement Allowance or Carer’s Allowance, call the respective helplines. Full details of the numbers to call can be found on the GOV.UK website.
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