§ 33. Mr. Simon ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement on changes to eligibility for lower rate disability living allowance in respect of those suffering from fear or anxiety. [19174]
§ Maria EagleI refer the hon. Member to the written answer I gave the hon. Member for Northavon (Mr. Webb) on 23 October 2001,Official Report, column 178W.
§ Angus RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to ensure that applicants for disability living allowance are able to request a face-to-face completion service for application forms. [22031]
§ Maria EagleNot all customers who ask for help need or want face-to-face assistance. There is a range of services available including textphone communication, the benefit inquiry line and the DLA/AA helpline which can provide telephone assistance with forms completion and where necessary, customers can be visited in their own homes.
609WIn addition caller offices have induction loop systems, private interview rooms and when required arrangements will be made for interpreters to assist in face-to-face interviews.
§ Angus RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to produce information about disability living allowance in a sign language video format. [22027]
§ Maria EagleThe Department is considering the most appropriate and cost-effective methods of providing information on benefits (not just disability living allowance and attendance allowance) to deaf people. One option being considered is the production of videos.
This approach, rather than just promoting a single benefit, would give potential customers the ability to decide for themselves what sort of help may be the most appropriate for them.