§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is his Department's policy on informing the next of kin of deceased unemployment benefit claimants of any outstanding benefits to which they are entitled; and if he will make a statement on the considerations leading to the formulation of this policy.
§ Mr. JackWhen a claimant dies, any outstanding unemployment benefit may be paid to persons claiming that benefit as legal personal representatives, legatees, next of kin or creditors of the deceased. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the individuals mentioned to make sure that any outstanding benefit has been claimed. However, following the hon. Member's question, steps are being taken to ensure that in administering unemployment benefit on a day to day basis instructions to employment
352W
Married couple with two children aged 4 and 6 Gross Pay (£pw) Net income in work after mortgage and community charge (£pw) Net income on income support after mortgage and community charge (£pw) mortgage £50,000 mortgage £75,000 mortgage £100,000 200 60.84 -1.42 -63.68 101.22 250 93.84 31.58 -30.68 101.22 300 126.84 64.58 2.32 101.22 350 159.84 97.58 35.32 101.22 400 197.34 13508 72.82 101.22 450 234.84 172.58 110.32 101.22 500 272.34 210.08 147.82 101.22 service offices properly reflect this policy intention and that, where a legal personal representative or next of kin notifies the ESO that a claimant has died, an invitation to claim any arrears will be issued. Instructions to staff in offices of the Benefits Agency will also be reviewed to ensure that similar procedures are followed where this is not already the case.
Information regarding the payment of arrears of benefit following a death can be obtained from offices of the Department of Social Security and unemployment benefit offices. In addition, advice on claiming arrears of benefit is included in social security leaflet D49, "What to do After a Death", which contains detailed information on the action to be taken when someone dies.