Supplementary Benefit Claims 60. Mr Sproat asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether it is required that visiting officers of his Department give 24 hours' notice to a claimant of intention to visit a social security claimant at home; and if he will make a statement. Mr. Orme Supplementary benefit claimants are usually informed by post of a proposed visit to avoid wasting the visiting officer's time and travelling expenses, but unannounced visits are sometimes made where this is considered appropriate.