HC Deb 02 August 1976 vol 916 cc614-7W
Mr. Shepherd

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list all the benefits over which his Department has control and indicate against each one whether or not it is subject to a means test of whatever kind.

Mr. Deakins

I assume that the hon. Member has in mind social security benefits, and health service benefits, and tests

BENEFITS UNDER THE SOCIAL SECURITY ACT 1975
Test of means or earnings
Unemployment Benefit … … The test of unemployment includes a limit for earnings in a subsidiary occupation.
Sickness Benefit … … The test of incapacity includes a therapeutic earnings limit.
Invalidity Benefit … …
Maternity Grant … … None.
Maternity Allowance … … None.
Widow's Allowance … … None.
Widowed Mother's Allowance … … None.
Widow's Pension … … None.
Retirement Pension … … The retirement condition is associated with an earnings rule for 5 years after minimum pension age.
Child's Special Allowance … … None.
Death Grant … … None.
Attendance Allowance … … None.
Non-contributory Invalidity Pension … … The test of incapacity includes a therapeutic earnings limit.
Invalid Care Allowance … … The test of not being in a paid job includes an earnings rule.
Guardian's Allowance … … None.
Old Person's Pension … … None.
Mobility Allowance … … None.
Industrial Injury Benefit … … The test of incapacity includes a therapeutic earnings limit.
Industrial Disablement Benefit … … None.
Increases of Industrial Disablement Benefit: … …
Unemployability Supplement … … The test of incapacity includes a therapeutic earnings limit.
Special Hardship Allowance … … The entitlement depends, inter alia, on the loss of earnings.
Constant Attendance Allowance … … None.
Hospital Treatment Allowance … … None.
Exceptionally Severe Disablement Allowance None.

Industrial Death Benefit (for widows, widowers or Earning capacity may be relevant in certain cases parents).

Note: Where an increase of benefit is claimed for an adult dependant, entitlement depends inter alia on the of the dependant's earnings.

WAR PENSIONS
Test of means or earnings
Disablement Pension … … None.
Unemployability Supplement … … The test of incapacity includes a therapeutic earnings limit.
Constant Attendance Allowance … … None.
Exceptionally Severe Disablement Allowance … … None.
Education Allowance … … None.
Allowance for Lowered Standard of Occupation Entitlement depends, inter alia, on the loss of earnings.
Severe Disablement Occupational Allowance … None.
Comforts Allowance … … None.
Age Allowance … … None.
Clothing Allowance … … None.
Treatment Allowance … … None.
War Widow's Pension … … None.
Allowance for Elderly Widows … … None.
Rent Allowance … … None.
Temporary Allowance for Widows … … None.
Orphan's Pension … … None.
Parent's Pension … … Financial need is one factor in entitlement.
Funeral Grant … … None.

OTHER CASH BENEFITS
Test of means or earnings
Family Allowances … … None.
Child Interim Benefit … … None.
Family Income Supplement … … Depends on income.
Supplementary Benefit … … Depends on resources and requirements.

relating to earnings as well as tests relating to total resources. On this basis, the information requested is as follows:

NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE
Test of means or earnings
Medical Treatment (by the primary care team or in hospital). None.
Contraceptive Advice and Supplies … … None.
Dental Treatment … … Low income constitutes one ground for exemption from, or help in meeting, charges.
Glasses … … See note on dental treatment.
Wigs and Fabric Supports … … Low income constitutes one ground for exemption from charges.
Hospital Fares … … Help is available to those with low incomes.
Milk and Vitamins … … Low income is one of the factors taken into account for entitlement to free supplies.
Prescriptions … … Low income constitutes one ground for exemption from charges.
Chiropody … … None.
Aids to Home Nursing … … None.