Going into hospital

How will my benefits be affected?

Some benefits can be reduced or lost when you go into hospital.

If you are going into hospital, you should notify the Department for Work and Pensions and the Council office that deals with your claims for housing and council tax benefit.

This is important as, in most cases, your benefit entitlement will have to be reassessed to take account of your new circumstances.

If you were not claiming benefits before you went into hospital, you may now be entitled to claim.

To find out if the benefit you are claiming is affected by a stay in hospital or if there are any benefits that you may be entitled to please contact the Department for Work and Pensions -

• Jobcentre Plus (working age): 0845 60 60 234
• Pension Service (pension age): 0845 60 60 265

The Help the Aged website also has some useful information about going into hospital.

What will happen to my pet when I go into hospital?

If you have a pet and go into hospital, you will need someone to look after your pet.

The most common option is to ask a family member, neighbour or friend to help. If not, for cats and dogs, you may need to contact a local cattery or kennel. Details of these should be in the telephone directory.

You could also contact the following organisations:

• Your local RSPCA - you can search for your local RSPCA online
• Cinnamon Trust – the charity has volunteers across the country who can look after pets both on a long term and short term basis.
  www.cinnamon.org.uk 01736 757900

Click here for more information on pet care