§ Mr. David MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he has any plans to make the carers' allowance available to people over the age of 59 years; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ScottInvalid care allowance is the main social security benefit for carers. It is intended to help to 251W maintain the income of someone who gives up the opportunity of full-time work to provide substantial and regular care to a severely disabled person. It is not normally available to people after they reach pension age but, subject to the overlapping benefit rules, it continues to be payable beyond pension age to people entitled beforehand. We have no plans to change these arrangements.