§ Mrs. DeanTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what measures are taken to ensure that those clients with learning disabilities are not penalised for earning below the £20 limit. [151306]
§ Maria EagleFor people claiming Income Support, earnings are normally taken fully into account when deciding how much benefit can be paid. However, for certain vulnerable groups, including those receiving long term incapacity benefits, we have introduced an earnings disregard of £20; this allows a person to earn up to and including £20 without their benefit entitlement being affected.
Anybody in receipt of Incapacity Benefit or Severe Disablement Allowance, including people with learning disabilities, can earn up to and including £20 a week for an unlimited period without affecting their benefit.
We do not believe these arrangements penalise those with learning disabilities, and we have no plans to change them at present.