HC Deb 03 November 1994 vol 248 cc1377-8W
Mr. Hayes

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if the entitlement conditions for an adult dependency increase of severe disablement allowance will be the same as those for an increase of incapacity benefit from April 1995.

Mr. Hague

Currently the conditions for receiving an adult dependency increase with severe disablement allowance are the same as for increases of invalidity benefit. We plan to introduce regulations shortly bringing them into line with the rules proposed for incapacity benefit. Under these rules, provision will be better targeted. Increases will be available in cases where: the beneficiary has a spouse who is aged 60 or over; the beneficiary has a spouse aged under 60 and dependent children; there is an adult, other than a spouse, who is caring for the beneficiary's dependent children. As now, there will be no payment where the dependent has earnings above a certain level. The earnings rule will be the same as for long-term incapacity benefit. Increases will continue to be available from the start of the severe disablement allowance award.

The new rules will apply to people claiming severe disablement allowance on or after 13 April 1995. There will be transitional protection for existing beneficiaries in line with that for transitional awards of long-term incapacity benefit.