§ Mrs. Ann WintertonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement summarising the provision which is currently made within the social security system for deaf children and those who care for them; and what plans he has to improve that provision.
§ Mr. ScottSocial security provision for all children applies equally to those who are deaf. Entitlement to social security benefits depends generally on the effect which a condition has on the claimant rather than the specific condition itself. Deafness alone does not trigger entitlement to any particular benefit, although a deaf child who also has other disabilities may be entitled to mobility allowance or attendance allowance. When one of these benefits is received in respect of a child, and he or she is included in a claim to an income related benefit, the disabled child premium is payable. Someone looking after a child receiving attendance allowance may qualify for invalid care allowance and, if that person also receives an income-related benefit, the carer premium.