HC Deb 26 July 1990 vol 177 cc486-8W
Ms. Richardson

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security for what reasons compensation for rape awarded by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board is subject to deduction from income support; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Gillian Shephard

The vast majority of payments from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board have no effect whatsoever on social security benefits. Under income support, the first £3,000 of capital is disregarded and an income equivalent to £1 a week is assumed for every £250, or part of £250, of capital over £3,000 up to £8,000. However, any income derived from that capital is completely ignored.

Benefit Issue Women Men
Unemployment Benefit Maximum age for receipt Age 65 Age 70
Age at which benefit rate changes to Retirement Pension rate Age 60 Age 65
Sickness Benefit Maximum age for receipt Age 65 Age 70
Age at which benefit rate changes to Retirement Pension basis Age 60 Age 65
Invalidity Benefit Maximum age for receipt Age 65 Age 70
Age at which benefit rate changes to Retirement Pension rate Age 60 Age 65
Invalidity Allowance and Invalidity Addition to Retirement Pension Maximum age for onset of incapacity for acquiring entitlement to lower rate Below age 55 Below age 60
State Maternity Allowance, Statutory Maternity Pay, Social Fund Payments to meet Maternity Expenses Conditions of Entitlement Entitlement where statutory conditions satisfied No entitlement in respect of paternity
Widows Payment, Widowed Mothers Allowance, Widows Pensions Conditions of Entitlement Entitlement where statutory conditions satisfied No equivalent entitlement for widowers
Category A Retirement Pension Minimum age of entitlement Age 60 Age 65
Age until which an individual may "deretire" or postpone claim to receive increments Age 65 Age 70
Working life for calculation of pension rate 44 years 49 years
Category B Retirement Pension Conditions of Entitlement Aged 60 and over and (i) married at 60 to husband who is entitled to Category A Retirement Pension, or (ii) married after age 60 to husband entitled to Category A Retirement Pension, or (iii) widowed after age 60 and late husband satisfied contribution conditions for Category A Retirement Pension, or (iv) widowed before age 60 and in receipt of widows pension in consequence of husband's death Aged 65 and over and widowed over 65 late wife was over 60 when she died and satisfied contribution conditions for Category A Retirement Pension
Retirement Pension Additional Pensions Age at 6 April 1978 for amendment of accrual formula from 5 April 1999 Age 40 Age 45
Graduated Retirement Benefit Minimum age of entitlement Age 60 Age 65
Amount of graduated contributions paid to obtain one graduated retirement benefit unit £9.00 £7.50

In addition, compensation payments arising from a personal injury which are placed on trust are wholly disregarded for at least two years. We propose to disregard these trust funds entirely from 1 October, although any actual payments made by the trustees will be treated in the normal way.

These rules assist claimants and ensure that long-term provision can be made for those requiring long-term care.