Maternity and Funeral Expenses

HC Deb 05 December 1995 vol 268 cc150-1W

Mrs. Lait

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on the definition of the terms "maternity expenses" and "funeral expenses" used in section 138 (1)(a) of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Roger Evans

Help with maternity expenses and funeral expenses may be given only from the regulated fund. I have today issued additional guidance to social fund officers on the interpretation of the terms "maternity expenses" and "funeral expenses".

The Benefits Agency has issued a bulletin to all district offices notifying them of the new guidance, which will be incorporated in a amendment to the social fund guide as soon as possible.

Details of the guidance have been placed in the Library.