§ Mrs. Chalkerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what evidence the 99W Supplementary Benefits Commission requires before payment to a claimant is made; and what proof of that evidence is required from a third party.
§ Mr. O'MalleyNormally before full payment is made, the commission requires supporting documentary evidence of a claimant's declared requirements and resources—for example, bank, family allowance and rent books, and wage slips where a claimant has recently finished work. Where full documentary evidence cannot be produced, payment at less than the full prima facie entitlement may be made: payment may be severely restricted or withheld altogether if the claimant's statement is open to serious doubt. Where necessary, an approach may be made, with the claimant's consent, to a third party for confirmation of his statement.