Hospital and benefits - Benefits for a child who is in hospital
When you or someone in your family go into or come out of hospital, the benefits you get may change.
- Last reviewed 06 November 2025
Benefits for a child who is in hospital
Child Benefit
If your child usually lives with you but is in hospital, you will stop getting Child Benefit for them after they have been in hospital for 84 days unless you are still needing to pay money for the child's needs. This could include things like paying pocket money or buying clothes or magazines for the child.
Child Element of Universal Credit
The Child Element of Universal Credit will continue to be paid for a child who normally lives with you but who is in hospital. The Child Element will stop if the child is expected to be in hospital for more than six months.
Scottish Child Payment
The Scottish Child Payment will continue to be paid while your child is in hospital.
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