HC Deb 30 November 1983 vol 49 c535W

None of the changes in the estimated take-up percentage between 1979 and 1981 for non-pensioners, either as a whole or in the three separate categories shown, is statistically significant. Analysis of the characteristics of those with unclaimed entitlement suggests that non take-up of benefit may be due to the fact that potential claimants are in very short-term need or are living in reasonably well-off households. For instance, of sick and disabled non-claimants, 50 per cent. had jobs to return to; take-up by that group was negligible, compared with an estimated take-up of 80 per cent. among those with no job to return to. Of the unemployed with unclaimed entitlement, a third had been unemployed for four weeks or less. Over half of the sick and disabled and unemployed non-claimants were living in other people's households. These aspects are dealt with further in a paper prepared by DHSS statisticians for the Social Services Committee—"Take up of supplementary benefit—characteristics of non-claimants"—a copy of which is being placed in the Library.