HC Deb 15 June 1992 vol 209 cc385-6W
Mr. Wigley

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many disability living allowance claims have been refused as a result of the application not being made within the three-month qualifying period; and what information is sent to people whose claims are unsuccessful for this reason.

Mr. Scott

There have been no such cases. An application for disability living allowance may be made at any time. If the three-month qualifying period has not been completed at the date of application, provided the adjudication officer is satisfied that the customer meets the conditions of entitlement, an award may be made from the earliest date that it is completed.

Mr. Andrew Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many reviews for attendance allowance are outstanding as a result of the introduction of disability living allowance; and what is the target time for the processing of these reviews.

Mr. Scott

The administration of attendance allowance is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member and copies will be placed in the Library and the Public Information Office.

Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security whether the target of clearing 60 per cent. of disability living allowance claims within 30 days is now being met.

Mr. Scott

The administration of disability living allowance is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member and copies will be placed in the Library and the Public Information Office.

Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security whether the estimate in the 1990 White Paper "The Way Ahead" of the number of people that would benefit from the lower rate of disability living allowance for care or mobility costs has been met.

Mr. Scott

That estimate was for 1993–94. It is too soon to measure performance against such longer term targets.