§ Mr. Greville Jannerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many people he estimates are not claiming supplementary benefit to which they are entitled; what is his estimate of the total sum involved; and whether he will take steps to reduce that number.
§ Mrs. ChalkerThe latest information is contained in chapter 12 of the report of the Supplementary Benefits Commission for 1978. Measures are already in hand to encourage those entitled to supplementary benefit to claim. All retirement pensioners and widows are invited to claim, and all retirement pension order books contain a claim form. A determined effort is being made to improve and simplify supplementary benefits leaflets, which are available at post offices, unemployment benefit offices, and social security offices. Posters are also on display here. I hope that the emphasis on entitlement in the new supplementary benefits scheme will encourage take-up. All new and repeat claimants are given written notices showing them how their benefit has been worked out. The revised edition of the supplementary benefits handbook explains the scheme in layman's terms.
§ Mr. Greville Jannerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will take steps to extend the range of circumstances in which supplementary benefit can be backdated so as to include disabled people and others with special problems.
§ Mrs. ChalkerMy right hon. Friend has no plans to do so. As I explained in my letter of 9 April to the hon. and learned Member, regulations 5 of the Supplementary Benefit (Claims and Payments) Regulations 1980, SI 1980 No. 1579, provides that a claim can be backdated in certain specified circumstances, or where a claimant can show that there was good cause for his failure to claim at an earlier date. The decision as to what constitutes good cause in the individual case is a matter for the independent adjudicating authorities.