HC Deb 09 June 1978 vol 951 c276W
Mr. Faulds

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services why those mentally handicapped who claim noncontributory invalidity pension at the age of 16 years must wait four years for a long-term addition whilst mentally handicapped adults receive such long-term additions after a continuous period in receipt of social security allowances of two years.

Mr. Orme

A non-contributory invalidity pensioner who was without household responsibilities would not usually qualify for supplementary benefit until he reached the age of 18. Only when a person has been receiving supplementary benefit for two years does he become eligible for the long-term rate of that benefit.

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