§ Mr. DunnachieTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the present level of, and what are the criteria for, allocation of Department of Health and Social Security residential care allowances for community care in Scotland.
§ Mr. ScottI assume the hon. Member is referring to supplementary benefit allowances for people in private and voluntary residential care and nursing homes. People in these homes can claim supplementary benefit to help meet their fees but there are limits to the levels of fees with which help can be given. A list of the current limits is given in the table. The limits apply nationally, other than for a special provision for London.
The purpose of the supplementary benefits scheme is to provide help for people who are not in full-time work, whose capital is not more than £3,000 and whose income, from all sources, is below a minimum level. The terms and conditions of entitlement are set out in the supplementary benefit Acts and regulations.
760W
Supplementary Benefit: Residential Care and Nursing Home Limits Category Residential care homes Nursing homes £ £ Elderly 130 175 Very Dependent of Blind Elderly 145 —
Category Residential care homes Nursing homes £ £ Mentally Ill 130 180 Drug/Alcohol 130 180 Mentally Handicapped 150 200 Physically Disabled under Pension Age 190 230 Terminal Illness — 230 Other 130 175 Note: The limits for all homes in the Greater London area can he extended by up to £17.50.