§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the reason for the difference between the rules (a) that attendance allowance may be backdated to the date of the original claim for supplementary benefit and (b) that the supplementary benefit payment to meet higher rate additional requirements, which are dependent on receipt of attendance allowance, may only be backdated for a maximum of 52 weeks.
§ Mr. NewtonThe two rules apply to different circumstances. In the case of attendance allowance it is a question of backdating claims. Generally attendance allowance cannot be backdated to allow payment before the date of claim. When, however, a claim for688W supplementary benefit clearly indicates a need for attendance, that claim may also be treated as a claim for attendance allowance.
In the case of supplementary benefit, the provision referred to is related not to the date of claim but to the review of a claim. When a claimant receiving supplementary benefit is awarded attendance allowance the need for additional heating is reviewed and the amount allowed for additional heating may be increased. In common with the provisions for most benefits, an increase in supplementary benefit may be backdated for up to a maximum of only 52 weeks.