§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list changes in the criteria for attendance allowance made between May 1990 and May 1991.
§ Mr. ScottFrom 1 October 1990 people with a terminal illness who are unlikely to live long enough to satisfy the six-month qualifying period for the benefit have been able to qualify for the higher rate automatically, and do not have to satisfy the qualifying period.
§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) when attendance allowance was first paid to Mrs. Mary Wood of Fairfax place, Dartmouth; when it was withdrawn; when a doctor appointed by his Department last carried out a medical examination of Mrs. Wood; when he expects to make a decision on Mrs. Wood's entitlement to the allowance; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what assessments were made of the entitlement of Mrs. Mary Wood of Fairfax place, Dartmouth to receive attendance allowance in (a) May 1990 and (b) May 1991; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ScottThe administration of attendance allowance is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to my hon. Friend and copies will be placed in the Library and Public Information Office.
§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the circumstances under which payment of attendance allowance may be discontinued.
§ Mr. ScottPayment may be discontinued because:
- (a) the medical criteria for an award are no longer satisfied;
- (b) more than 28 days have been spent as an inpatient in a health service hospital and/or publicly funded residential accommodation;
- (c) the residence and presence conditions are no longer satisfied;
- (d) there is a complete overlap with constant attendance allowance;
- (e) of imprisonment or detention in legal custody.