§ Mr. Bestasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what benefit in cash terms he expects will be received by a married man with two children who becomes unemployed in January 1982; and how this compares both in amount and as a percentage with benefit received by the person in the same circumstances in May 1979.
§ Mrs. ChalkerThe three main social security benefits for which married men, with children, who become unemployed may qualify are unemployment benefit, child benefit and supplementary benefit. The rates for a married man with two children aged 4 and 6 and previous earnings at average levels are set out in the table below. The corresponding figures for a man whose previous earnings were high enough to attract a maximum earnings-related supplement to his unemployment benefit in May 1979 are also shown. The figures are in cash terms and percentages have been given where possible, as requested by my hon. Friend.
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May 1979 January 1982 Column 4 as percentage Married man, two children aged four and six; wife not working Earnings at average levels Earnings attracting maximum ERS of column 2 of column 3 (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) Child benefit 8.00 8.00 10.50 131 131 Supplementary benefit excluding rent and rates No entitlement No entitlement 6.70* Total social security benefits in cash terms †48.49 †51.45 *‡55.20 Notes:
* Where Supplementary Benefit is payable.
† Would also receive help with rent and rates from local authority;
‡ Would also receive an addition to supplementary benefit for rent and rates, estimates of which are not yet available.