§ Ms Oona KingTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what measures he proposes to encourage the take-up of Income Support unclaimed by those already in receipt of Incapacity Benefit but entitled to additional benefit. [95464]
§ Mr. BayleyWe want all of those entitled but not receiving their benefits to claim. Our current focus is on the most vulnerable group—those pensioners who live on incomes below the Minimum Income Guarantee. Research shows that this group is particularly resistant to claiming their entitlement and our priority is to overcome barriers and establish the most effective way of encouraging them to claim.
The new ONE service, which is currently being piloted, will improve the take-up of Income Support in appropriate cases by those claiming Incapacity Benefit. One of the
42W
§ Mr. George HowarthThe information available is shown in the table. No information is available prior to 1992.
Total expenditure by the NHS on incontinence appliances is not available. The table shows the net ingredient cost of items that were dispensed in the community in Northern Ireland.
The net ingredient cost is the basic cost of an appliance and does not take account of discounts, dispensing costs, fees or prescription charges income.
major advantages of this new system is that, for the first time, there will be an holistic approach to the benefit requirements of working-age people. ONE will ensure that claimants receive appropriate advice at the first point of contact with the benefit system.