DWP warning issued as one group of Brits to lose advantages after 28 days
State pensioners who spend more than 28 days in hospital could see vital benefits like Pension Credit and Attendance Allowance suspended under little-known DWP rules
The DWP has hit pensioners with a 28 day rule(Image: Getty)
State pensioners are being warned about a little-known benefits regulation that impacts those who find themselves away from their home for 28 days or longer. Many likely aren’t aware that there are Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) regulations which dictate how certain state pension linked benefits are distributed to pensioners who must go to hospital for a prolonged stay.
Naturally, there will frequently be numerous state pensioners who find themselves receiving hospital treatment, considering that state pensioners retiring today will be over 66. According to financial specialists Pension Bee, the state pension itself continues to be distributed when you’re in hospital as usual, whether you’re on the old basic or the new state pension.
However, there are other pension payment related benefits which are impacted, including Pension Credit and Attendance Allowance.
Pension Credit is a benefit which supplements income for those who have less than a particular amount per week. It is available to anyone of state pension age, and distributes £227.10 per week (increasing to £238 from April).
For older state pensioners, whose basic pension peaks at £174.45 per week (£184.90 from April) it means your income is enormously boosted and many older pensioners with no other income depend on Pension Credit payments in order to make ends meet. Fresh state pensioners lacking a complete National Insurance history, who consequently miss out on the full £230.25 weekly payment, can still apply for Pension Credit to boost their income closer to the maximum sum – falling just £3.15 per week shy of the complete entitlement, reports the Express.
However, Pension Bee highlights that Pension Credit qualification becomes complicated by hospital stays extending beyond 28 days. The provider explains: “Pension Credit is a two-part benefit that supports those of State Pension age whose income is below a certain threshold. It includes the Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit benefit schemes.
“If you receive either of these benefits and your hospital stay is longer than 28 days, the amount you receive might be affected.
“This is because the amount of Pension Credit you receive is calculated to include income from other benefits – some of which may stop or be reduced if you’re in hospital for more than 28 days.”
Pension Credit isn’t the only payment impacted, as Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance and Personal Independence Payments could also face reductions or complete suspension following hospital admissions lasting 28 days or longer.
Age UK clarifies: “Your State Pension doesn’t change, no matter how long you’re in hospital. But some payments are suspended if you’re in hospital for more than 28 days:”.
“If you transfer from hospital to a care home or community hospital for free short-term support known as intermediate care, this counts towards the 28-day limit.
“If you receive Pension Credit, suspension of these benefits can affect the amount of Pension Credit you receive. When you leave hospital, you may be eligible to receive these benefits again. However, if your Pension Credit award stops and you’re part of a couple where one of you is under State Pension age, you may not be able to reclaim Pension Credit.
“Contact the office that pays your benefits to let them know when you go into hospital and then again when you leave. You’ll need to quote the number on your award letter for the benefits you receive.”
The government advises: “You must tell the office that pays your benefit as soon as possible if you: go into hospital for one night or longer.
“Your claim might be stopped or reduced if you do not report a hospital stay. Call the Pension Service helpline if you get one or more of: State Pension; Pension Credit; Attendance Allowance.”
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