PIP continues for the first 28 days in hospital — then stops if you are an NHS inpatient. This rule exists because the NHS is meeting your care needs during a long admission. Here is how the hospital stay rules work for PIP in 2026/27, and what to do to protect your payments.
The 28-Day Rule: How It Works
| Situation | PIP continues? |
|---|---|
| NHS inpatient, days 1–28 | Yes — full payments continue |
| NHS inpatient, day 29 onwards | No — both components stop |
| Private patient (self-funded) | Yes — PIP continues throughout |
| Day patient (not overnight) | Yes — PIP not affected |
| Mental health inpatient (NHS-funded) | Stops after 28 days, same as physical admission |
| Rehabilitation unit (NHS-funded) | Stops after 28 days |
| Hospice (NHS-funded) | Stops after 28 days |
| Hospice (charity-funded, not NHS) | PIP may continue — check with DWP |
Linking Hospital Stays
DWP links hospital stays that are separated by 28 days or fewer. This prevents the 28-day clock being reset by a short discharge home.
Example:
- Admitted 1 April — 20 days in hospital
- Discharged 20 April — home for 15 days
- Readmitted 5 May — the clock resumes from 20 days, not zero
- After 8 more days (13 May), PIP stops — 28 cumulative days reached
To reset the 28-day clock fully, you must be out of hospital for at least 29 consecutive days.
What to Do When Admitted
- Note the admission date — the clock starts from day 1
- Tell DWP within 28 days — call 0800 121 4433 or report via UC journal
- Confirm your care is NHS-funded — if you are paying privately, PIP is not affected
- Arrange for someone to manage your benefits — a family member or carer can act on your behalf with a letter of authority
Impact on Other Benefits When PIP Stops
When PIP stops due to hospitalisation, it can trigger changes to other benefits:
- Universal Credit carer element: If a carer receives the UC carer element based on your PIP enhanced daily living, that element stops when your PIP stops. Their UC reduces by £198.31/month.
- Carer’s Allowance: If someone receives Carer’s Allowance based on your PIP enhanced daily living, CA stops after your PIP stops. They must inform DWP.
- Motability vehicle: If you lease a Motability vehicle using enhanced mobility PIP, and your PIP stops after 28 days, Motability may require the vehicle to be returned. Contact Motability immediately if facing a long hospital stay.
- Free road tax: Ceases when enhanced mobility PIP stops.
Practical Planning for a Long Hospital Stay
If you know you are facing a planned admission of more than 28 days:
- Contact DWP before admission if possible — they can note the admission in advance
- Notify Motability immediately so they can plan
- Inform carers who receive CA or UC carer element — they need to update DWP
- If in hospital for end-of-life care on an SR1 certificate, speak to a welfare rights adviser — special rules may apply
When PIP Restarts After Discharge
PIP restarts from the day of discharge — you do not need to make a fresh claim. However:
- Processing can take several days, meaning the first payment after a long stay may be delayed
- Check your bank account within 2 weeks of discharge
- If no payment arrives, call DWP on 0800 121 4433
If your condition has changed significantly during a long hospital stay — better or worse — you can request a PIP review after discharge to reassess your award level.
See our what happens if PIP is stopped guide, benefits if you go to hospital guide, and PIP guide.