HC Deb 30 October 1975 vol 898 cc604-5W
Mr. Ralph Howell

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will list all the contributory and non-contributory benefits, including means-tested benefits, to which an unemployed person in receipt of (a) unemployment benefit and (b) national assistance/supplementary allowance could be entitled in 1950 and in 1975.

1950 Mr. O'Malley

An unemployed person in receipt of unemployment benefit could be entitled to the following statutory benefits intended for the support of that person and his or her family:

IN 1950

Contributory Benefits

  • Maternity allowance—subject to adjustment with unemployment benefit.
  • Maternity grant.
  • Widow's allowance, widowed mother's allowance or widow's pension—subject to adjustment with unemployment benefit.
  • Industrial death benefit.

Non-Contributory Benefits

  • Family allowances.
  • War widow's pension and allowances.
  • Free school meals (administered by Local Authorities as a Discretionary benefit).
  • Milk and vitamins at reduced charges for children under school age.
  • Patients' hospital travelling expenses.
  • National assistance.

IN 1975

Contributory Benefits

As inwith the addition of:

  • Earnings-related supplement of unemployment benefit or maternity allowance.
  • Earnings-related addition to widow's allowance.
  • Child's special allowance.

Non-Contributory Benefits

  • Family allowances.
  • War widow's pension and allowances.
  • Free school meals.
  • Free milk and vitamins for children under school age.
  • Patients' hospital travelling expenses.
  • Help with National Health Service charges.
  • Rent rebates and allowances.
  • Rate rebates.
  • Family income supplement—but only in continuation of an award made before unemployment commenced.
  • Supplementary benefit.

An unemployed person not entitled to unemployment benefit but entitled to national assistance or supplementary benefit could be entitled to the same range of other benefits, except for rent rebates and allowances and rate rebates in 1975.

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