§ Mr. Wareingasked the Secretary of State for Social Services why his Department's advertisement drawing attention to the new severe disablement allowance made no reference to the requirement that a recipient would need to be 80 per cent. disabled.
§ Mr. NewtonThe purpose of the advertisement was to draw attention to the fact that the new benefit is being introduced, and to encourage all potential claimants to send for the appropriate leaflet and claim form. The leaflet explains the benefit requirements in full.
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§ Mr. Wareingasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how mentally handicapped persons are to be assessed for the severe disablement allowance; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NewtonMost mental handicap is present from birth or the early development years, and people so affected can normally expect to qualify for severe disablement allowance before the age of 20 on a test of incapacity for work alone. Those who first become incapable later in life will normally fall to have their level of disablement assessed in accordance with criteria similar to those already used in the industrial injuries and war pensions schemes. The assessment will be made not only in relation to such conditions as are prescribed in regulations but also by comparison with a normal healthy person of the same age and sex.
The adjudicating medical authorities will aim to build up a complete picture of the condition, based on statements provided by the claimant and those who care for him and, where necessary, information from other sources, including doctors' reports and hospital case-notes.