§ Mr. Marksasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will take steps to publicise the increase in the amount of capital causing disqualification for supplementary benefit from £2,000 to £2,500; and if he will arrange for individual notification to pensioners.
§ Mr. NewtonThe increase in the supplementary benefit capital limit has been widely publicised since it was announced by my right hon. Friend earlier this year. Details of the new limit are contained in the main supplementary benefit leaflets, including SB1 which is available in post offices. The notes in all retirement pension order books which span 22 November contain details of the increased capital limit. Local offices have been instructed that claimants who have been refused supplementary benefit within the past few months because their capital exceeded £2,000 should be advised of the impending increase to £2,500 where this is appropriate.