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Social Security Benefits

Volume 503: debated on Wednesday 13 January 2010

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if she will ensure that applications for health care costs grants sent mistakenly to Jobcentre Plus offices are forwarded immediately to the correct office for processing; and if she will make a statement. (309525)

The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, Darra Singh. I have asked him to provide the hon. Member with the information requested.

Letter from Darra Singh:

The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question asking if she will ensure that applications for health care costs sent mistakenly to Jobcentre Plus Offices are forwarded immediately to the correct office for processing. This is something that falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.

Claims for health care costs are the responsibility of the Department of Health. Claims are made on a form HC1 and include a prepaid envelope for its return. If a claim form is mistakenly sent to Jobcentre Plus it is automatically forwarded on to the Department of Health for action. If a customer presents a completed HC1 personally at a Jobcentre Plus office, they are advised where the form needs to be sent and if required will be given a duplicate prepaid envelope.