AA stopping after hospital admission

Rubyroobs

I'd be really grateful if someone could clarify. 
If someone went into hospital some months ago and was then discharged and their Attendance Allowance stopped presumably because they were in hospital for more than 28 days, should they be sent a new form to complete ? I know normally it can just be re-instated when they come out of hospital but what if it's been some months that have passed with the claim suspended. Is there a maximum length of time it can be suspended for before a new claim has to be made ? AA stopping has had a huge effect on other benefits stopping- PC, HB etc. Thanks.

Brie

No - it should simply be a case of notifying the change of circumstances.  I think it can all be done online rather than needing to phone but it's a couple of years since I've done it.  But that was for a hospital stay of about 3 months?  I think even DWP will agree that someone who was eligible for AA are very unlikely to not need it after release from hospital so won't want new forms filled out.  

Rubyroobs

Brie said:

No - it should simply be a case of notifying the change of circumstances.  I think it can all be done online rather than needing to phone but it's a couple of years since I've done it.  But that was for a hospital stay of about 3 months?  I think even DWP will agree that someone who was eligible for AA are very unlikely to not need it after release from hospital so won't want new forms filled out.  

Thanks. This is what I thought but confused why they have been sent a new form even after a health care professional called to explain the situation. Unless it's a renewal that was due anyway.

Brie

I have vague recollections of having a form for my MiL which was all about when did she go in to hospital and when did she come out.  There was nothing about could she run for the bus or anything similar.  She never had a "renewal" of any sort.  That was a couple of years back so thing may have changed slightly.

Does the person you are asking about have more needs now than before?  It may be that they might be eligible for a higher level of AA if they were previously on a lower level.  

When in doubt suffer through waiting to get through to someone who can give you an official answer rather than depending on us helpful internetters!!!

KiKi

Hi, yes, if you've been in hospital for some time, the DWP may send forms again. It's similar - but not exactly the same - as the original one you'd have filled out.  https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/attendance-allowance/claiming-attendance-allowance/attendance-allowance-change-of-circumstances/ 

Rubyroobs

KiKi said:

Hi, yes, if you've been in hospital for some time, the DWP may send forms again. It's similar - but not exactly the same - as the original one you'd have filled out.  https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/attendance-allowance/claiming-attendance-allowance/attendance-allowance-change-of-circumstances/ 

Thank you.