Article: Hospitalisation impact on benefit entitlement Article Body If you are going into hospital and you want to find out if your social security benefits will be affected please contact our advice line on 01226 772360. Please notify the Department for Work and Pensions and the housing and council tax benefit office if you are claiming either or both of these benefits. Eligibility If you are not claiming any form of benefit prior to entering hospital you may now be entitled to claim. Next steps When you come out of hospital you should notify both the Department for Works and Pensions and the housing and council tax benefit office that deal with your claims. This is important as you will need to have your benefit reassessed when you return home, you may also be entitled to other benefits if you have become disabled as a result of your illness. How can you contact us? If you require any help / assistance from Welfare Rights, or would like to request a leaflet, please: E-mail: welfarerightsteam@barnsley.gov.uk Telephone the advice line: 01226 772360 Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 9am to 5pm and Friday 9am to 4.30pm Contact Welfare Rights: 01226 775656 Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 8.45am to 5pm and Friday 8.45am to 4.30pm To contact the housing and council tax benefit office please: E-mail: benefitassessments@barnsley.gov.uk Contact the benefits helpline: 01226 774743 Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 9am to 5pm and Friday 9am to 4.30pm Fax: 01226 774733 By writing to: Benefits, Taxation and Welfare Rights Division, PO Box 634, Barnsley, S70 9GG Call into any Barnsley Connects office Additional information To learn more about our compliments, comments and complaints process please see general complaints. Related services Barnsley Connects Berneslai Homes Housing Benefit Council Tax Benefit Social Services Other useful websites DirectGov-Money,Tax and Benefits DirectGov - Hospital stays and your benefits Valuation Office Agency (Rent Service) Citizens Advice Bureau Disability Alliance Department for Work And Pensions Age Concern Royal National Institute for the Blind