Should I tell anyone that I have gone into hospital?

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)

It is important to tell the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) if you go into hospital. If you are too unwell to tell them, ask a relative to do it for you, or a carer if you have one.

You could also ask a healthcare professional, like a nurse, doctor or social worker to do it for you, and some hospitals wards have regular visits from benefits advisers who can give you advice and ensure the DWP knows you have gone into hospital.

You can tell the DWP by telephone, but it is better to write to them. Keep a copy of the letter and make sure that you get a certificate of postage from the post office, which is usually free of charge – this way you can prove that you have told the DWP of your change in circumstances. If you don’t, the DWP will continue to pay your benefits in the normal way. This might mean that you get money you aren’t entitled to and if this happens, it is called being ‘overpaid’.

If you are overpaid, the DWP is likely to ask you for the money back. If you can’t pay it back in one lump sum, they will usually deduct money from your benefits and this means you will get a smaller amount of benefit each week whilst still having to pay for all your usual living expenses like your food, gas, electricity and travel costs.

Your local DWP office number should be on any correspondence you have had with them. You may also find it in a local telephone book, or you can look online by typing your postcode into their website.

Social Security Scotland (SSS)

If you are receiving any benefits from Social Security Scotland it is important that you inform them if you go into or come out of hospital. This includes an extended stay such as an overnight or for a longer period.

You do not need to inform Social Security Scotland if you go to a routine or clinical appointment or day treatments in the hospital.

You can tell Social Security Scotland by telephone, letter or online. When informing SSS of a change you will need to have the following information to hand:

• Your National Insurance number
• Bank account details where your benefits are paid into
• Details of the change you are telling Social Security Scotland about
• The date the change happened, or will happen

If you wish to call Social Security Scotland about the change you can phone free on 0800 182 2222, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

If you would rather report the change online then you can use the online form to report changes. There is also the option to complete a downloadable paper form.

Local authority

If you are claiming Housing Benefit, you need to tell your local authority that you have gone into hospital. Your Housing Benefit can be paid for 52 weeks while you are in hospital, but the local authority needs to know when you went into hospital to avoid an overpayment.

Your landlord

If you rent from a private landlord or housing association, you should normally tell them that you have gone into hospital, just so they don’t think you have abandoned your home.

You should also check your tenancy agreement as it might have conditions about leaving your home vacant for a set amount of time.

Your bank

You can ask your bank to send your bank statements to the hospital ward, or you can ask them to be sent to a friend or relative that you trust. This will help you manage your money while you are in hospital.

Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC)

If you are receiving tax credits, you should tell Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) about the change in your income as they may change your award. The Tax Credits Helpline number is 0345 300 3900.