§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) in what circumstances may pensioners living in (i) private and voluntary residential homes, (ii) private and voluntary nursing homes, or (iii) sheltered accommodation claim housing benefit; and in each case what was the position before 14 January;
(2) in what circumstances pensioners with savings between £8,000 and £16,000 are entitled to housing benefit; and what was the position before 14 January.
§ Miss WiddecombeFrom 14 January 1991, people living in registered residential care and nursing homes do not generally have access to housing benefit. However, people in registered homes who were already entitled to housing benefit when details of this change were announced on 29 October 1990 retain entitlement to that benefit under former rules, as do those who had submitted a claim on or before that date which was subsequently determined in their favour. People in registered homes who are not entitled to claim income support to help towards the home's fees, namely those in full-time work and those who pay rent to a close relative, continue to be able to claim housing benefit, as do those in unregistered homes. People living in rented sheltered accommodation also continue to be eligible for housing benefit unless the accommodation is registered as a residential care or nursing home.
661WWhere people in registered homes or other accommodation are entitled to claim housing benefit, the amount of benefit payable depends on the level of their appropriate personal allowances and premiums, their eligible rent, and the amount of their income and capital, provided that capital does not exceed £16,000.