§ Mr. WoolasTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what advice he has issued regarding the handling of disability and incapacity benefit claims by people suffering from addiction to benzodiazepine drugs. [93719]
§ Mr. BayleyEntitlement to state disability or incapacity benefits is dependent not on the diagnosis but on the functional effects resulting from the condition. The Department provides guidance regarding benzodiazepine and other substance abuse to benefit decision makers and doctors providing advice or undertaking examinations in connection with a State benefit.
The Disability Handbook is available to all decision makers handling claims to Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance. It contains a section, which outlines the functional effects of drug abuse, including benzodiazepine abuse, on an individual's care needs. A copy of the Disability Handbook is available for consultation in the Library. Guidance for approved doctors undertaking All Work Test Assessments is contained in the Incapacity Benefit Handbook for Medical Services Doctors, which is also available in the Library.