A Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) minister says there is no evidence the stopping of PIP payment whilst someone is on hospital stops people from seeking medical care. The DWP has clarified what happens to someone's entitlement for the benefit if they have a hospital stay that lasts longer than 28 days.
Labour MP Beth Winter had asked the DWP if the Government's rules on PIP payments for hospital patients may put people off seeking medical help. But DWP minister Tom Pursglove said there is "no evidence that the policy may affect an individual's decisions to seek medical care", the Daily Record reports.
Read more: Police statement as students locked in Nottingham College after stabbing
In the written response earlier this week, the DWP minister explained that when someone goes into hospital and is receiving daily care from the NHS it is only their payments that stop, not their entitlement to PIP. Once someone is discharged from hospital, payment of PIP restarts from the date of discharge.
He added: "Once someone is discharged from hospital, payment of PIP recommences from the date of discharge." Addressing Ms Winter's query directly, Mr Pursglove said: "We have no evidence that the policy may affect an individual’s decisions to seek medical care."
READ NEXT:
- Takeaway launches UK's biggest chippy tea weighing more than 1st
- 169 homes to be built near crematorium as £30m plan given go ahead
- Stalker Alex Belfield has bid for leave to appeal sentence refused
- 8 images as demolition begins on office block in Nottingham city centre
- £140k project to remove asbestos from Guildhall ahead of sale
