§ Mr. Astorasked the Secretary of State for Social Services in what circumstances under his regulations persons receiving sickness benefit are entitled to opt to continue receiving this benefit on reaching the age of 65 years, rather than transfer to retirement pension; and what steps are taken to inform them of this option.
§ Mr. Ennals:Men below the age of 70, and women below the age of 65, are only treated as retired if they have given notice to that effect. Any man under 70 (or woman under 65) in receipt of 422W sickness benefit who has not given notice of retirement remains eligible for sickness benefit, at the same rate as the flat-rate retirement pension which would be paid if he did retire, as long as he continues to satisfy the relevant conditions. A leaflet (N.I. 15) which accompanies the letter sent to men approaching their 65th and women approaching their 60th birthday in order to remind them of their right to claim a retirement pension refers to continued entitlement to sickness benefit if notice of retirement is not given, and also explains the tax position.