§ Mr. CummingsTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what information his Department makes available to people who are mentally handicapped and their families about any benefits that they may be entitled to;
(2) if he intends to make any special efforts to ensure that people who are mentally handicapped receive all the benefits that they are entitled to;
(3) if mentally handicapped persons who claim severe disablement allowance are automatically advised of the possibility that they may be entitled to claim income support.
§ Mr. ScottPeople who are mentally handicapped qualify for benefits under the same criteria as people suffering from other disabilities so the same steps are taken to help them, and those who are acting for them, to claim the benefits to which they may be entitled. Information about these benefits is available in a range of leaflets from Social Security offices, and the freeline telephone inquiry service.
The leaflet about severe disablement allowance, which includes the claim form, draws attention to the possibility of claiming income support. Additionally, all young people, under age 18, who claim the allowance are issued with a leaflet about income support, and an explanation of how to claim it, unless it is clear that they have already done so.