§ Mr. SteinbergTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he could give an estimate of the annual amount and category of social security benefits which are not claimed; and what measures will be taken to make people aware of what benefits they are entitled to.
§ Mr. BurtThe latest available information is contained in the estimates of take-up of income-related benefits for 1987, copies of which are in the Library. The Department tries to ensure that people are in a position to make informed choices on whether to claim, but does not have a legal duty to advise people to follow one course rather than another. Social security legislation clearly places the onus of claiming on individuals. One of the major priorities of its Benefits Agency is to enable people to establish their eligibility by making available information which is comprehensive, accurate and easy to understand. and to seek to ensure that claims are handled helpfully and efficiently.