§ Mrs. BrowningTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to bring(a) disability living allowance, (b) attendance allowance and (c) carers allowance into line with income replacement benefits for people who stay in hospital. [125429]
§ Maria EagleNone. We believe that the current rules are fair. The changes we have made ensure that for most people the benefits they receive for every day living are not touched while they are in hospital. This recognises that hospital in-patients are likely to have on-going costs of maintaining their homes. Disability living allowance and attendance allowance, however, help with the disability-related needs of severely disabled people. These needs are met by the national health service when the recipients are in hospital, and so payment of these benefits stops after 4 weeks. Entitlement to carer's allowance can continue throughout breaks in care for holidays or for hospitalisation of the carer or disabled person. Provided the DUVAA remains in payment, these breaks can total 12 weeks in a period of 26 weeks.