§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will take steps to ensure that claimants for social 387W security are informed as a matter of routine of all their rights and all their possible benefits; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. DeanMy Department continues to make every effort to ensure that people are made aware of any social security benefits to which they may be entitled. There are, for example, standing arrangements for asking the newly widowed and people who are approaching retirement age whether they wish to claim supplementary benefit. A wide range of explanatory leaflets can be obtained free of charge from the Department's local offices. In addition, leaflets about the supplementary benefit and family income supplement schemes, which include a claim form, as well as leaflets about other benefits are available from Post Offices. National Press and TV advertising is undertaken as the need arises.