§ Ms. ShortTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security whether, if claimants in receipt of unemployment benefit income support have their fortnightly benefit payment suspended for not actively seeking employment on three successive occasions, and they then satisfy the condition, they have to make a fresh claim for benefit and complete a new B1 or whether their fortnightly payment is automatically reinstated; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Gillian ShephardNo fresh claim for income support is required if hardship payments are made when benefit has been suspended on account of failing to actively seek employment. However, if hardship payments have not been made and income support has been suspended for longer than a fortnight, a fresh claim on a new form B1 will be required.
§ Ms. ShortTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security whether a non-householder income support claimant without dependants whose income support is suspended for not actively seeking work or being available for work can be paid on income support hardship payment; and if he will make a statement.
331W
§ Mrs. Gillian ShephardYes. The adjudication officer has to be satisfied that, unless income support is paid, the claimant will suffer hardship. No distinction is made between householders and non-householders.