HC Deb 28 February 1978 vol 945 cc195-6W
Mr. Hannam

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the total amount paid in back payments of attendance allowance in the last year for which figures are available by virtue of Regulation 9(5) of the Social Security (Claims and Payments) Regulations 1975 whereby attendance allowance is subsequently deemed to have been claimed from the first date of a claim for supplementary benefit; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Alfred Morris

In the 12 months to date, seven payments totalling £2,371.20 have been made in the circumstances covered by this regulation.

Mr. Hannam

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will issue

Mr. Moyle

Figures for 1977 are not yet available. For 1974–1976, the information requested is as follows:

instructions that where a claim for attendance allowance is made and accepted by someone who is already on supplementary benefit in all appropriate cases back-payment of attendance allowance shall be made to the date of the first application for supplementary benefit; and if he will make a statement;

(2) if he is satisfied that claims for supplementary benefit are automatically treated as claims for attendance allowance where appropriate; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Alfred Morris

There are standing instructions that supplementary benefit claimants should be advised to claim attendance allowance if it appears that they might be entitled. Where it comes to light that, exceptionally, such a claimant has not been so advised, but subsequently a claim for attendance allowance is received, the earlier claim for supplementary benefit is accepted where appropriate as the claim for attendance allowance.

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