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Mentally Handicapped Persons

Volume 951: debated on Friday 9 June 1978

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asked the Secretary of State for Social Services why those mentally handicapped who claim noncontributory invalidity pension at the age of 16 years must wait four years for a long-term addition whilst mentally handicapped adults receive such long-term additions after a continuous period in receipt of social security allowances of two years.

A non-contributory invalidity pensioner who was without household responsibilities would not usually qualify for supplementary benefit until he reached the age of 18. Only when a person has been receiving supplementary benefit for two years does he become eligible for the long-term rate of that benefit.