§ Mr. AltonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what provision is made for emergency payments by his Department for elderly people who have had their pension stolen and are unable to pay for their basic necessities.
Aged Category A men Category A women Category BL wives Category ABL wives2 Widows 60–64 — 305,570 9,000 780 3,590 65–69 52,250 162,900 12,390 1,110 5,170 70–74 31,660 52,730 9,690 50 11,760 75–79 23,660 39,630 6,490 — 14,540 80–84 12,490 19,520 700 — 9,330 85–89 3,540 8,050 80 10 5,700 90 and over 900 2,720 — — 3,010 Source: 1987–88 Public Expenditure White Paper.
1 Supplementary Pension replaced by Income Support in April 1988.
2 Category A—Pension on own contributions.
Category BL—Pension on husbands contributions.
Category ABL—Combined category A and BL pensions where this combined rate does not exceed the category BL rate.
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§ Mr. Peter LloydWhen an order book or girocheque is stolen arrangements are made to continue payment of benefit.
If, in the interim, the pensioner needs help with living expenses he may apply for a social fund crisis loan.