Agoraphobia (Hansard, 28 October 1992)

§ Mr. Scott

The administration of sickness benefit is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member and a copy will be placed in the Library.

Letter from M. Bichard to Mr. Max Madden, dated 27 October 1992: As Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency, it is my responsibility to answer questions about relevant operational matters. I am therefore replying to the points raised in your recent Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security asking what arrangements are made for those who suffer from agoraphobia to apply for sickness benefit providing they satisfy the benefit eligibility rules. There are no specific arrangements for dealing with customers who are agoraphobic. Existing procedures allow for claims to Sickness Benefit to be dealt with through the post, although home visits can be made upon request. Every effort is made to make home visits to those customers who, for one reason or another, are unable to leave their homes. Any customer who is agoraphobic should receive a home visit from one of our staff if requested. 751W Customers who are agoraphobic normally need to complete a self certificate (form SCI) which can be obtained from Benefits Agency offices by post, or from their doctors' surgery. If they need to obtain a Doctors' statement, then they will need to arrange to see their Doctor in the normal way. I should explain that it is the aim of the Agency to identify and respond, wherever possible, to its customers' needs. Our Customer Charter states that we want to make it easier for our customers to contact us, whether they choose to call in at one of our offices, phone or write. The Charter states that "Where it is necessary for you we can visit you at home". I hope you find this reply helpful. A copy of this reply will appear in the Official Report. Copies are also being placed in the Library.