§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the Secretary for Social Security what assessment he has made of the advantages of the interviewing of clients seeking benefits by both his Department and the Benefits Agency. [6208]
§ Mr. Roger EvansThe administration of income support is a matter for Peter Mathison, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.
Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Barry Sheerman, dated 3 December 1996:
The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking what assessment he has made of the advantages of interviewing clients seeking benefits by both his Department and the Benefits Agency.BA customers are not routinely interviewed at the new claim stage or when seeking benefits. Postal claim forms are used for all BA benefits. If the customer requests an interview or the office identify a particular problem an appointment may be arranged.Since 1 July 1995, to improve customer service, accuracy, verification and validation of Income Support (IS) claims, certain new or repeat claims have been selected for an immediate home visit. During the interview the customer's circumstances are fully checked. This ensures that the customer receives the correct entitlement and any other benefits, to which the customer may be entitled, are identified.Since 7 October 1996, all claimants to Jobseekers Allowance are initially interviewed at the Employment Service Jobcentre (ESJ) about Labour Market issues. Whilst the customer is in the ESJ the JSA claim form is examined to ensure it is fully and accurately completed and any necessary enquiries are made of the customer.I hope this reply is helpful.