§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many additional pensioner households he expects to be entitled to the Minimum Income Guarantee as a result of the proposed pensioners' credit. [138350]
§ Mr. RookerAs a result of the proposals announced by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State on 9 November 2000,Official Report, columns 451–55, we expect 1.1 million additional pensioner households to benefit from the Minimum Income Guarantee in 2003.
§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how long information is kept on file following an unsuccessful application by a pensioner for Minimum Income Guarantee. [139693]
§ Mr. Rooker[holding answer 21 November 2000]: Clerical documents are kept for 14 months after the decision has been made. Records maintained on the mainframe computer system are available to view for 12 weeks after the decision.
§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on the procedures for pensioners accessing the Minimum Income Guarantee with specific reference to(a) the operation of the free phone service, (b) the role of the local Benefits Agency office and (c) the processing of forms. [139692]
§ Mr. Rooker[holding answer 21 November 2000]: We want pensioners to be able to access services in ways that suit them. Pensioners can access the Minimum Income Guarantee (MIG) through the network of local Benefits Agency offices by writing, visiting or telephoning their local office.
Alternatively, pensioners can claim via the MIG Claimline telephone number (0800 028 1111).
The local office's role is to help pensioners apply for the MIG.