The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed it is in the process of creating a new 'digital channel' to help people receiving disability benefits, other low-income benefits, and the State Pension to report changes in their circumstances in one place. However, Minister for Social Security and Disabilities, Sir Stephen Timms, indicated that this development is "not expected to be complete for at least another 12 months" and will not be available to Universal Credit claimants.

This may be because Universal Credit claimants already use an existing digital service - the online journal - to communicate with their work coaches and the DWP directly. The revelation came after Conservative MP Neil O'Brien enquired if recipients of disability benefits or those on low or no income could report hospital stays by phone or through a system akin to 'Tell Us Once'. For money-saving tips, sign up to our Money newsletter here

Sir Stephen clarified in his written reply: "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."

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is currently developing a new digital platform allowing benefit recipients to notify any changes just once in a single place. Although its launch is planned in the future, it's unlikely to be ready for another 12 months.

It is intended for claimants of disability benefits, low-income benefits, and later life services, but it won't initially cover Universal Credit claimants, reports the Daily Record. Stephen Timms also shed light on the circumstances in which Personal Independence Payments (PIP) cease during a hospital stay and resume after discharge. Importantly, this pause in payments does not affect a claimant's overall eligibility for the benefit.

Regarding hospitalisation and its impact on disability benefits, Sir Stephen recently told Mr O'Brien in writing that this pause in payments would not impact Universal Credit recipients. He pointed out: "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.

"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.

"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."

Here's what you need to know about hospitalisation while on benefits

The DWP advises that claimants should inform their benefits office as soon as possible if they:

  • go into hospital for one night or longer
  • go into a care home or rehabilitation centre for one night or longer
  • are going to miss a Jobcentre Plus appointment due to being in hospital or having a medical appointment

If you're unable to get in touch with them yourself, a friend or family member is allowed to make the call on your behalf

Information you must provide to the DWP includes:

  • your full name
  • date of birth
  • National Insurance number
  • details of your partner if they are included in your claim

If you are making the call for someone else, you will need to give your own name and how they can contact you.

On hospital stays, it is necessary to give information including:

  • the precise date you were admitted to the hospital
  • the date you were discharged if applicable
  • the name of the hospital
  • the ward name if known
  • details if you were transferred between hospitals

  • any other hospital stays in the last 28 days

  • where you were discharged to, for example your home or a care home

Guidelines on how to declare your hospital admission

According to DWP instructions: "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 those on Universal Credit

If you've had a hospital stay exceeding 24 hours, inform through your Universal Credit online account, or reach out to the Universal Credit helpline.

For Pension-age claims

Contact the Pension Service helpline for multiple pensions including:

  • State Pension
  • Pension Credit
  • Attendance Allowance (or call the dedicated Attendance Allowance helpline if that's the only service you use)

For Disability benefits

Communicate with the Disability Service Centre if your benefits include:

  • Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
  • Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

For low or no income-related benefits

Reach Jobcentre Plus in cases where you receive

  • 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

Inform the Child Benefit Office if your child is hospitalised or placed into 'residential care' beyond 12 weeks.

Other benefits

Directly contact the helpline listed for each particular benefit that includes:

  • Bereavement Allowance
  • Carer's Allowance

For comprehensive contact details, refer to the GOV. UK website.