Sami
State pensioners born before 1959 are being warned about a critical 28-day rule that could result in the loss or reduction of benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Two major payments—Pension Credit and Attendance Allowance—are at risk if a pensioner remains in hospital for 28 consecutive days or more without reporting the stay.
DWP’s 28-Day Hospital Stay Rule Explained
According to the DWP, anyone receiving state benefits must report hospital stays promptly. Failure to do so could lead to suspension or reduction of your entitlement.
What You Must Report
- Admission to a hospital or rehabilitation center for one night or more
- Missing a Jobcentre Plus appointment due to medical treatment
- Moving into a care home while receiving benefits
You’re required to contact the benefits office that issues your payment immediately. A relative or friend can also make the call on your behalf.
Details You’ll Need to Provide
When reporting a hospital stay, make sure to have the following information ready:
| Required Information | Description |
|---|---|
| Your full name | As per DWP records |
| Date of birth | Must match official records |
| National Insurance number | Needed to locate your claim |
| Partner’s details | If they’re part of your benefit claim |
| Hospital admission date | The exact day you entered the hospital |
| Hospital discharge date | If applicable |
| Name of hospital & ward | If known |
| Hospital transfers | Mention if moved to another facility |
| Any hospital stays in past 28 days | Previous admissions count towards the 28-day total |
| Discharge location | E.g., home or care home |
If reporting on someone else’s behalf, you must also provide your name and contact details.
How Pension Credit is Affected
Pension Credit consists of two elements:
- Guarantee Credit – tops up income to a minimum level
- Savings Credit – extra support for those who saved for retirement
According to PensionBee, if a pensioner’s hospital stay exceeds 28 days, it could reduce or stop parts of their Pension Credit. This is because additional income from other benefits, which are included in the Pension Credit calculation, may be suspended during extended hospital stays.
Why Attendance Allowance Might Stop
Attendance Allowance, which helps with personal care needs for those over State Pension age, is also at risk. The DWP may pause or reduce this benefit if a pensioner receives free care in a hospital for longer than 28 days, as they are no longer incurring the same level of personal care expenses at home.
State pensioners born before 1959 must stay alert to the DWP’s 28-day hospital rule, as failure to report could mean losing out on essential financial support.
Whether it’s Pension Credit or Attendance Allowance, these benefits are vital for managing day-to-day costs, especially when health conditions worsen. Promptly reporting any hospital stays and maintaining accurate records can ensure that your entitlements continue without disruption.
FAQs
What happens if I forget to report a hospital stay to the DWP?
Your benefits may be stopped or reduced if you fail to notify the DWP about your hospital admission in time.
Do short hospital stays under 28 days affect my benefits?
No, benefits are typically unaffected for hospital stays less than 28 days, but it’s still a good practice to report them.
Can someone else report the hospital stay on my behalf?
Yes, a friend or relative can report the stay, provided they give your details and their contact information.