Should I tell anyone that I have gone into hospital?
Social Security Agency
You have to inform the Social Security Agency if you go into hospital. If you don’t, they will continue to pay your benefits in the normal way. This might mean that you get money you aren’t entitled to. If this happens, it is called being ‘overpaid’.
If you have been overpaid, they are likely to ask you for the money back. If you can’t give it to them in one lump sum, they will generally take the money back from you in instalments.
Normally they do this by deducting money from your ongoing benefits. This means you will get a smaller amount of benefit each week. However, you will still have to pay for all your usual living expenses like your food, gas, electricity and travel costs.
If you rent from a private landlord or housing association you should tell them that you have gone into hospital so they do not think you have abandoned your home.
NI Housing Executive (NIHE)
If you are claiming Housing Benefit, you need to tell NIHE that you have gone into hospital. Your Housing benefit can be paid for 52 weeks if you go into hospital but you will need to tell them you have gone into hospital so they can start this period.
Your Landlord
If you rent from a private landlord or housing association you should tell them that you have gone into hospital so they do not think you have abandoned your home.
