HC Deb 24 March 1995 vol 257 cc378-9W
Mr. Rooney

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what benefit entitlement applies pending the outcome of the appeal when a recipient of incapacity benefit or severe disablement allowance who is found to be capable of work under the all-work test lodges an appeal against the decision and declines to register as unemployed. [16139]

Mr. Hague

Incapacity benefit and severe disablement allowance cease to be payable when a recipient is found to be capable of work under the all-work test. A claimant who has lodged an appeal and has not registered as unemployed may qualify for income support. Where a claimant would normally be entitled to income support only if he were available for work, and he has declined to register as unemployed pending his appeal, income support will be reduced by an amount equal to 20 per cent. of the single person"s personal allowance. This reduction will not be made if the claimant was in receipt of invalidity benefit or severe disablement allowance on 12 April 1995, and the appeal is against a decision based on the first application of the all-work test to him.

Mr. Rooney

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if recipients of invalidity benefit, incapacity benefit or severe disablement allowance may take up part-time or full-time education or training courses without prejudice to their benefit entitlement; and if the taking up of such a place affects the assessment of their capacity for work. [16138]

Mr. Hague

Days on which a person attends a Government-funded course in respect of which he is paid a training allowance are not treated as days of incapacity for work, and benefit would not be payable. People getting invalidity benefit, sever disablement allowance or, from 13 April, incapacity benefit before starting the course will get a training allowance based on the rate of benefit they were receiving, plus £10.

Attendance on a course of education, either part-time or full-time, or a non-Government funded course, will not generally affect payment of benefit unless the nature of the course raises doubts about a person"s continued incapacity for work.

Young people aged between 16 and 19 cannot get severe disablement allowance if they are in full-time education which would be suitable for young people of the same age who are not disabled.