§ Mr. David AtkinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if those in receipt of an armed services pension are entitled to unemployment and other benefits; and if he will make a statement. [108739]
§ Angela EagleArmed services pensions are taken into account in the benefits system in the same way as any other occupational pension.
60WOccupational pensions are taken fully into account in income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, Income Support, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit. Working Families Tax Credit also takes occupational pensions fully into account.
Contribution-based Jobseeker's Allowance is reduced on a penny-for-penny basis for any amount of pension received in excess of £50 a week.
Incapacity Benefit is not currently affected by occupational pensions. However, from April 2001, any occupational pension above £85 a week will affect entitlement for new claimants. The amount of benefit payable will be reduced by 50p for each £1 of pension received above £85.