HC Deb 28 July 1982 vol 28 cc561-2W
Mr. Freud

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will list in the Official Report the social security and national insurance benefits to which wives of men serving with the British Army of the Rhine are or may be entitled; and in what respects the qualification rules differ from those applicable to wives of United Kingdom civilian citizens.

Mr. Rossi

[pursuant to his reply, 22 July 1982, c. 288]: The social security and national insurance benefits to which wives of men serving with BAOR are, or may be, entitled are listed below together with any different qualification rules which would apply. It has been assumed that the wife has accompanied her husband on the posting to Germany and that, where appropriate, she remains insured in the United Kingdom national insurance scheme and fulfils the normal contribution rules governing entitlement to contributory benefits.

Benefits Different Qualification Rules
Sickness benefit None
Invalidity benefit None
Maternity allowance None

Benefits Different Qualification Rules
Maternity grant Adapted so that temproary absence abroad with a serving husband does not affect entitlement.
Death grant None
Retirement pension None
Widow's allowance None
Widowed mother's allowance None
Widow's pension None
Injury benefit None
Disablement benefit None
Guardian's allowance None
Unemployment benefit Only payable in Germany under the terms of the European Community regulations on social security. The claimant is required to be registered as unemployed before departure from the United Kingdom and benefit is payable for a maximum period of 3 months.
Attendance allowance None
Invalid care allowance None
Mobility allowance None
Non-contributory invalidity pension Because of the need to satisfy a test of residence in the United Kingdom for a period immediately before the date of claim, payable only if the claimant is receiving the benefit before departure from the United Kingdom.
Child benefit None
Family income supplement Subject to a test of residence in the United Kingdom, but an award already made before departure from the United Kingdom continues. The Ministry of Defence pay, from their funds, an amount equivalent to FIS to service families already abroad who meet the other qualifying conditions.