§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how long a claimant of attendance allowance going abroad outside the European Union(a) may receive attendance allowance payments and (b) is entitled to resume attendance allowance payments; and if these entitlements are available to disability living allowance recipients. [24062]
§ Mr. Andrew MitchellA recipient of attendance allowance or disability living allowance going abroad, outside the European Union, may continue to receive that benefit provided that the conditions of entitlement continue to be met and their right to reside in Great Britain is not subject to any limitation or condition, for
(a) up to 26 weeks if the absence, when it began, is for a temporary purpose and does not last for a continuous period exceeding 26 weeks; or(b) as long as the absence is(i) temporary and(ii) for the specific purpose of being treated for incapacity, or a disabling condition, which begins before they leave Great Britain, and(iii) the Secretary of State certifies that it is consistent with the proper administration of the Act that he should be treated as though he were present in Great Britain.Special arrangements exist for people who are abroad as serving members of Her Majesty's forces and their families and for certain airmen, mariners and continental shelf workers.
On return to this country, people who meet the above conditions while abroad will continue to receive attendance allowance or disability living allowance, providing they continue to satisfy the conditions of entitlement and have no limitation placed on their right to reside in Great Britain. People who do not satisfy the above conditions whilst abroad may reclaim attendance allowance or disability living allowance on return to this country and requalify in the normal way.