§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what measures her Department is taking to ensure that widows, newly-retired pensioners and people entitled to incapacity benefit are not disadvantaged by the change to the Contributions Agency computer system and the consequent delay in processing applications until 3 August. [47242]
§ Mr. DenhamThe Department is committed to minimising the impact on customers. There are contingency arrangements in place to ensure benefit continues to be paid.
The Department has made arrangements to ensure that Retirement Pension claim packs continue to be issued to those people approaching pension age. This will ensure that pension can continue to be awarded and put into payment.
During the change-over to the new computer system there will be limited access to National Insurance records. Therefore, widows will receive at least the full basic rate benefit including any increases for children.
The Departmental Central Index will be used to ensure that the vast majority of new claims to Incapacity Benefit can be dealt with and payment made in the normal way. New claimants may be asked to provide additional information to enable a speedy decision to be made on their claim.