HC Deb 20 December 1976 vol 923 cc60-1W
Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list the residence conditions for each social security benefit; and if he will explain the reasons for any variations.

Mr. Orme

Under the Social Security Act there are no residence conditions for those benefits which depend on the satisfaction of contribution conditions nor for industrial injuries benefits. There are residence conditions for the non-contributory benefits, other than industrial injuries benefits, under that Act, and for family allowances and child interim benefit, as follows:

Attendance allowance

Ordinarily resident here and present for 26 weeks in the previous 12 months, plus a period of residence which varies with nationality and place of birth.

Non-contributory invalidity pension

Present for 26 weeks in the previous 12 months plus residence amounting to 10 years in the previous 20 years.

Invalid care allowance

Ordinarily resident here and present for 26 weeks in the previous 12 months.

Guardian's allowance

One of the parents has to be born here or satisfy a test of presence, the length varying according to place of birth and nationality.

Retirement pension (Category C)

Ordinarily resident here and 10 years residence between July 1948 and November 1970.

Retirement pension (Category D)

Ordinarily resident here and 10 years residence in the 20 years before reaching the age of 80.

Mobility allowance

Ordinarily resident here and 52 weeks presence in the previous 18 months.

Family allowance

Present for 26 weeks in the previous 12 months plus a period of presence which varies with nationality and place of birth.

Child interim benefit

Present for 182 days in the previous 52 weeks.

The conditions differ between the various benefits to take account of the nature of the benefit concerned. They may also be varied by provisions of the EEC regulations on social security for migrant workers or the terms of a reciprocal agreement with another country.

There are no residence conditions under the supplementary benefit scheme. Those permitted to make their homes here can claim benefit, if necessary, under the same conditions as anyone else.

If my hon. Friend will let me know of any particular point he has in mind I will give him any more details that he may require.