§ Lord Newbyasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many people over 50 are currently in receipt of disability benefit in the United Kingdom; what proportion of the total population this represents; and what were the equivalent figures for 1980 and 1990. [HL3353]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Work and Pensions (Baroness Hollis of Heigham)Such information as is available is in the table. The information for 2003 is for the recipients of disability living allowance (DLA) and attendance allowance (AA). These benefits are paid as a contribution towards the extra costs faced by severely disabled people as a result of their disabilities. The information for 1980 and 19911 is for the recipients of AA and mobility allowance (Mob A).
Mob A was replaced by the higher rate of mobility component of DLA in 1992. From the same date, the middle and higher rate of care components of DLA replaced AA for people aged under 65 when they claim help with their disability-related extra costs. A new lower rate of mobility component and lowest rate of care component were also introduced as part of DLA from the same date.
Numbers of people aged 50 and over in the UK receiving AA and DLA on 28 February 2003 and the total of these as a proportion of the total UK population; and the equivalent figures for AA and Mob A recipients aged 50 and over in 1980 and 19911.