If you or a loved one are receiving benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in the UK and plan to go into a care home for one night or longer, it is essential to be aware of the reporting requirements.
What you need to know:
Ensuring timely reporting for your benefits:
Promptly notifying the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) about your stay in a care home or hospital is vital to ensure the accuracy of your benefit payments. Here's what you need to know to ensure prompt notification:
1. Authorized reporting:
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If you're unable to notify the DWP yourself, a trusted friend or family member can do it on your behalf. They will need to provide their name and contact information when reporting your stay.
2. Required information:
When reporting your stay to the DWP, it's essential to provide specific details to facilitate accurate processing:
- Personal information: Include your full name, date of birth, National Insurance number, and details of your partner if applicable.
- Care home stay details: Provide the name and address of the care home, admission date, previous address, funding details, and the name of your local authority or council.
- Hospital stay details: If applicable, include information about your hospital stay.
If you've stayed in multiple care homes, ensure to provide details for each stay, including admission and discharge dates.
3. Key points for reporting your stay:
- Notification requirement: Promptly inform the office responsible for your benefits when entering a care home or hospital stay to avoid interruptions in your benefit payments.
- Accuracy and compliance: Timely and accurate reporting ensures compliance with regulations and allows the DWP to adjust your benefits accordingly.
Reporting your stay to the DWP is crucial for uninterrupted benefit payments. By gathering the necessary information and notifying the DWP promptly, you can avoid interruptions in your benefits.
Checklist for Reporting a Care Home Stay to the DWP
| Information Needed | Why It’s Required | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Personal details | Identifies you in the DWP system | Full name, date of birth, NI number |
| Care home details | Confirms location and type of stay | Name, address, admission date |
| Funding arrangements | Determines impact on benefits | Self-funded vs. local authority funded |
| Hospital stays (if relevant) | Ensures all care periods are recorded | Admission and discharge dates |
| Representative details | Needed if someone reports on your behalf | Family member’s name and contact info |
Impact on Benefits When Moving to a Care Home
| Benefit | Does It Change? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Attendance Allowance | Yes | Payments stop if the care home fees are fully covered by local authority funding. |
| Pension Credit | Yes | Amount may be reduced based on income and funding. |
| Disability Living Allowance (DLA) | Yes | Care-related components may stop if publicly funded. |
| Housing Benefit | Yes | Usually stops unless it is a temporary stay. |
Recommended reading: Attendance Allowance Rates 2025: Everything you need to know
Contact us for assistance:
If you need help selecting a care home or facility best suited to your needs, don't hesitate to reach out to us at 0230 608 0055 or fill out this form. We're here to assist you every step of the way.
Q&A:
1. Do I need to inform the DWP if I move into a care home?
Yes, you must notify the DWP if you move into a care home, whether temporarily or permanently. This ensures your benefits are adjusted correctly.
2. Which benefits are affected when moving into a care home?
Benefits such as Attendance Allowance, Pension Credit, Disability Living Allowance (DLA), and Housing Benefit may be affected, depending on your funding arrangements and length of stay.
3. What happens to my Attendance Allowance if I go into a care home?
Attendance Allowance stops if your care home fees are fully covered by local authority funding. If you are self-funding, you may continue to receive the allowance.
4. Do I need to notify the DWP for a temporary care home stay?
Yes, even for temporary stays, it is important to inform the DWP, as this may impact benefits like Housing Benefit or Disability Living Allowance.
5. How do I notify the DWP about my move into a care home?
You can notify the DWP by phone, online (if applicable), or in writing. Include details about your care home stay, such as whether it is temporary or permanent.
6. Will the DWP contact the care home directly?
No, it is your responsibility or your family’s to notify the DWP about changes in your living arrangements. The DWP will not contact the care home on your behalf.
7. What happens to Housing Benefit if I move into a care home?
Housing Benefit usually stops if you move permanently into a care home. For temporary stays, you may still be eligible, but you need to inform the DWP.
8. Does a move into a care home affect my Pension Credit?
Yes, Pension Credit may be reduced based on your income, savings, and whether your care is self-funded or supported by the local authority.
9. Is my partner’s income or pension affected if I move into a care home?
No, your partner’s income or pension is not affected. The financial assessment for care costs only considers your own income and assets.
10. Why is it important to notify the DWP about care home changes?
Notifying the DWP ensures that your benefits are accurately adjusted, prevents overpayments, and avoids potential repayment demands later.
Related reading: Difference between a residential home and a nursing home
Need help finding a care home?
Senior Home Plus offers free personalized guidance to help you find a care facility that suits your health needs, budget, and preferred location in the UK.
Call us at 0203 608 0055 to get expert assistance today.
