HC Deb 09 November 1972 vol 845 c254W
Mr. Meacher

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if it is necessary for a house visit to be made to inquire into the circumstances of a recipient of supplementary benefit who submits a claim under Section 7 of the Ministry of Social Security Act, 1966, before officers of the claimant's local office can make an assessment as to whether the claim be allowed or disallowed.

Mr. Dean

The Supplementary Benefits Commission normally arranges for the claimant to be visited in order to assess the nature and extent of his needs. In cases of extreme urgency, however, a claim can be allowed on the basis of a local office interview.

Mr. Meacher

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services under what authority or circumstances local officers of the Supplementary Benefits Commission allow a claim submitted by a recipient of supplementary benefits without first carrying out a home visit.

Mr. Dean

No home visit is made if the commission considers that payment can be justified on the basis of information obtained from a recent home visit or local office interview with the claimant.

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