§ Mr. ClaphamTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if a claimant for a backdated award will be advised that he should also make his claim for reduced earnings allowance at the same time; and what form the advice will take. [31259]
§ Mr. Roger EvansThe administration of reduced earnings allowance, payable under the industrial injuries scheme, is a matter for Peter Mathison, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.
Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Michael Clapham, dated 6 June 1996:
577WThe Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking if a claimant for a back dated award will be advised that he should also make his claim for Reduced Earning Allowance (REA) at the same time; and what form the advice will take.I have assumed, as you have not specified the other benefit, that you are referring to a claim for Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB).
Instructions to Benefit Agency staff provide for the issue of leaflet NI6, together with the relevant claim form, to a person who asks about claiming IIDB in respect of either an accident at work or an industrial disease.
Leaflet NI6, on page 9, gives information on how and when to claim REA and stresses that a person should not delay claiming REA until after the claim of Disablement Benefit is determined or they may lose benefit for any period more than three months before date of claim.
I am enclosing a copy of the leaflet NI6 for information. A revised version of this leaflet will be available shortly which will take account of the other REA legislative changes.
I hope you find this reply helpful.