§ Mr. Arnoldasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) whether he will amend the supplementary benefit scheme to make specific provision for payments to employees paid more than fortnightly in arrears; and if he will make a statement; (2) in what circumstances he makes payments of supplementary benefit beyond the first 15 days of employment to employees paid more than fortnightly in arrears; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. BoysonThe supplementary benefit scheme already contains specific provision for paying benefit to persons starting work who are paid more than fortnightly in arrears. Regulation 14 of the Supplementary Benefit (Urgent Cases) Regulations provides that if such a person and his family have insufficient resources of their own and cannot obtain help from any other source, including an advance of salary from the employer, urgent need payments may be made for up to 16 days beyond the 15th day in work. If further help is required urgent need payments may be continued if they are the only means of avoiding serious risk to the health or safety of the claimant or his family. We have no plans to amend these provisions.