The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has recently confirmed plans to introduce a new 'digital channel' designed to enable recipients of disability benefits, other low-income supports and the State Pension, to report changes easily.
However, Minister for Social Security and Disabilities, Sir Stephen Timms, clarified that this system is "not expected to be complete for at least another 12 months" and won't be extended to Universal Credit claimants.
The reasoning behind this could be attributed to the existing digital platform - the online journal - which allows claimants to communicate with work coaches and the DWP already.
These revelations came forward after Conservative MP Neil O'Brien enquired whether individuals receiving disability benefits, or those on low or no income benefits, have the ability to report a hospital admission via phone, or through something akin to the 'Tell Us Once' service.