§ Sir Peter EmeryTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) on what basis an elderly wife in a residential care home and suffering from Alzheimer's disease can claim Income Support; [132487]
(2) for what reason the amount of a husband's capital is taken into account when an elderly wife in long-term care and suffering from Alzheimer's disease claims Income Support. [132488]
§ Mr. BayleyA wife in a residential care home can claim Income Support in her own right. In these circumstances, her income and capital is treated separately from her husband's, but he may be asked to contribute to the upkeep of his wife to the extent that he can afford to do so through the payment of maintenance.