§ Lord Swinfenasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether members of crown servants' families who have accompanied the crown servant on postings abroad for aggregate periods in excess of 10 years in the last 20 years are ineligible for severe disablement allowance; and if so what plans they have to rectify this anomaly.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Social Security (Lord Henley)They may be eligible for severe disablement allowance if, despite their absence abroad, they are regarded by the adjudicating authorities as having been resident in Great Britain (for example, by maintaining a home in Great Britain) for a total of 10 years in the past 20 years, or 10 years since birth if they are under age 20. However, we are currently reviewing the residence and presence conditions for attendance allowance and mobility allowance in preparation for the introduction of the new disability allowance. At the same time, we shall consider whether the conditions for severe disablement allowance also need to be changed.
§ Lord Swinfenasked Her Majesty's Government:
How soon after taking up residence in the United Kingdom an immigrant is eligible to receive severe disablement allowance.
§ Lord HenleyTo qualify for severe disablement allowance, a person must have been resident in Great Britain for a total of 10 years in the preceding 20 years, or 10 years since birth where the person is under 20 years of age.