Means-tested Benefits

HC Deb 19 July 2004 vol 424 cc30-1W

Mr. Viggers

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the means-tested benefits available through his Department and the agencies for which it is responsible (a) in May 1997 and (b) now. [182568]

Mr. Caplin

Under the rules of the War Pension Scheme, the Veterans Agency takes into account claimants' means when assessing the level of certain benefits and allowances paid to those affected by death or injury as a result of service in the armed forces. SpecificallyIn 1997, the War Widowers pension was means tested, but this is no longer the case. In 1997, and now, a claimant's income is one of the factors taken into consideration when determining entitlement to the following additional allowances: additional allowance for unemployability supplement, allowance for lower standard of occupation and rent allowance.