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pensioners have to pay to go to hospital

(34 Posts)
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etheltbags1 Thu 09-Apr-15 22:27:10

I am disgusted to find that anyone on a state pension has to inform the dwp (or whatever they call it now) when they go into hospital so that their state pension can be stopped. The person who told me said she thought this was fair as the nhs will be providing bed and board. Do the jobsworths not realise that those on a pension are the poorest of the lot and still have to pay bills. Fuel costs/phone/insurances etc all are taken out of the bank or have to be paid regardless if we are in hospital or not. How do they expect someone to manage their bills especially if they have to pay a person to look after the house while they are away. It is fine for those on a private pension/income but I really cannot believe that the pensioners really have to pay for hospital care.
Has anyone had any experience of this.

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Maggiemaybe Fri 10-Apr-15 19:20:29

But what a shame the DWP do worry people in this way when they are already vulnerable. Surely they could ensure that their guidance documents make sense? They are also wasting their own time having to explain things over the telephone to pensioners who think they need to ring them.

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rosequartz Fri 10-Apr-15 19:23:18

It used to be the case and is worth checking if it still is.

I remember DH's DGGM going into hospital in the 1970s and I think if she had been in for longer than six weeks they would have taken her pension off her for board and lodging, which would have made life very difficult for my MIL as they lived together and had rent and bills to pay.

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rosequartz Fri 10-Apr-15 19:25:47

I see Soupy has said that it is no longer the case, which is good.

If it was the case, then I think the whole concept of paying for bed and board during stays in hospital should be looked at!

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Ana Fri 10-Apr-15 19:29:38

A few of us have said that it is not now the case, rosequartz! hmm

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rosequartz Sat 11-Apr-15 10:59:54

Rose: write out 500 times:
Read the thread before you post. blush

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Ana Sat 11-Apr-15 11:06:47

grin Sorry, rose, had an irritable moment!

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rosequartz Sat 11-Apr-15 11:10:55

wink

Sorry, busy writing lines, post later!!

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michelleblane Sun 27-Nov-16 22:55:35

My father was in hospital for 6 weeks last year, his carer allowance was stopped after 28 days (but we had to inform them immediately) His state and civil service pension continued as before. (He still had household bills even though he wasn't at home)

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