§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will amend the benefit regulations to ensure that people who suffer from long-term illness or disability do not suffer a lower benefit entitlement by virtue of discovering after a trial period in work that they are unable to sustain that work because of the effects of their illness or disability. [137812]
§ Mr. BayleyWe have already taken action to help such people. In October 1998, we introduced a provision whereby people who had been incapacitated for at least 28 weeks, began work or training within seven days of leaving benefit and notified the Benefits Agency within one month that they had done so, may return to benefit without having to requalify for the higher rates if they leave work or training within a year. The period is extended to two years where the person had been getting disabled persons tax credit or a training allowance while they were in work or training.