§ Mr. David Atkinsonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if religious persons in closed orders are entitled to supplementary benefit; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he will make a statement on the eligibility for supplementary benefit of nuns and monks following the change of rules in 1984; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NewtonMembers of religous orders who are not being fully maintained by their order are entitled to claim supplementary benefit in the normal way. There was no change in the law in 1984, but fresh guidance was issued to local offices. This reminded them of the possible eligibility for supplementary benefit of infirm monks or nuns who had been placed in nursing homes where the order lacked adequate facilities to care for them and provide the necessary financial support.