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Written question asked by Julian Huppert (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 25 February 2015, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 2 March 2015 (named day). A holding answer was provided on Monday, 2 March 2015. A substantive answer was provided by Lord Harper (Conservative) on Wednesday, 4 March 2015 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Social Security Benefits: Disability

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will review the procedures for notifying his Department of a change of circumstances in the event of hospitalisation when the claimant is incapacitated and unable to contact the Disability Benefits helpline.

Answer

The Department has reviewed its procedures for notifying hospital admissions when the customer is incapacitated and unable to contact us themselves.

We have taken account of the fact that there is no reduction in the Benefit paid for the first twenty eight days following admission, where there has been no previous hospitalisation within the preceding twenty eight days. Also, measures are in place so that the report of the hospital admission may be taken from another person, on the customer’s behalf. We have concluded that the procedures already in place are satisfactory.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
225435
Session
2014-15
Subjects
Disability Social security benefits
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk