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Invalidity Benefit

Volume 228: debated on Monday 12 July 1993

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To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many payments have been made for increased invalidity benefit to men whose wives earn under £80·70 per week since 15 April; and how this new rate of benefit has been publicised.

The information requested is not available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.For most invalidity benefit recipients who have been receiving payment continuously from a date prior to 16 September 1985, payment of an adult dependency increase ceases altogether when the dependent's earnings are £80·70 or more per week. This amount increases at each uprating and is notified to every beneficiary by issue of a form with the first payment of the uprated amount.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to equalise women's entitlement to invalidity benefit.

At present we have no plans to do so. However, as the hon. Member is aware there is a current court case concerning the rate of invalidity benefit payable to women on reaching state pension age, the outcome of which is awaited.