§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he has any plans to introduce legislation for retrospective reinstatement of rights and benefits for those sufferers of dementia who have lost their jobs, either volutarily or through dismissal, and who have only later been diagnosed.
§ Miss WiddecombeNo. Legislation already exists to allow an adjudication officer to reconsider retrospectively a decision to reduce or refuse benefits. Section 104 of the Social Security Act 1975 allows a review of a decision by an adjudication officer or social security appeal tribunal at any time if the officer or tribunal is satisfied that the decision was given in ignorance of, or was based on a mistake as to, some material fact.
§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he has any plans to increase the scope of welfare benefits available to younger sufferers from dementia.
§ Mr. ScottBenefits for people with long-term sickness or disability are awarded, not on the basis of the medical condition from which a person is suffering, but on the effects and needs to which that condition gives rise. People suffering from dementia may receive a wide range of benefits. That range will be further increased in April 1992 when disability living allowance is introduced to provide new help for people with care or mobility needs. People entitled to disability living allowance will be eligible for the disability premium within the income-related benefits.