Attendance Allowance When in Hospital: The Rules
Receiving Attendance Allowance when in hospital is subject to specific rules. If your hospital stay is short, your payments will continue as normal. However, for longer stays, your Attendance Allowance may be temporarily suspended.
The 28-Day Rule
Attendance Allowance payments stop after you have been in hospital for 28 consecutive days. This is known as the '28-day rule.' The DWP stops payments because the NHS is then meeting your care needs during your hospital stay.
What Counts as a Linked Period?
If you are discharged and then readmitted within 28 days, the two stays are 'linked' and count as a continuous period. This means the 28-day clock does not reset between the two admissions.
Does Your Attendance Allowance Restart After Hospital?
Yes — when you are discharged from hospital, your Attendance Allowance should restart automatically. However, you should inform the DWP of your admission and discharge to avoid any administrative issues. Call the Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 0122 to notify them.
What About Care Homes and Other Care Settings?
The same 28-day rule applies to respite care in a residential or nursing home funded by the local authority or NHS. If you are paying for your own respite care, your Attendance Allowance continues.
Protecting Your Attendance Allowance During a Hospital Stay
To protect your Attendance Allowance when in hospital:
- Inform the DWP as soon as you know you will be admitted for more than 28 days
- Ask the hospital social worker for help if you are struggling to contact the DWP
- Keep records of your admission and discharge dates
Need Advice?
If you are worried about your Attendance Allowance when in hospital, or if your payments have been incorrectly stopped, Elder Care can help you navigate the process and challenge any incorrect decisions.