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Benefit Rates

Lord Burlison asked Her Majesty's Government:

Baroness Hollis of Heigham: My right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Social Security has reviewed the Social Security benefits in accordance with Section 150 of the 1992 Administration Act. Her proposals for the revised rates of benefit are set out in the schedule. The new rates will take effect in the week beginning 6 April 1998.

The statutory instruments to implement the changes will be laid before both Houses for debate in the new year.

My right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland proposes to introduce similar changes for Northern Ireland.

National Insurance benefits will be uprated in line with the annual increase in the Retail Prices Index (RPI) up to September, which this year is 3.6 per cent.

Jobseeker's Allowance and income-related benefits will generally rise by 2.4 per cent. in line with the increase in the Rossi index. The Rossi index is RPI less certain housing costs.

The total cost of uprating for 1998-99 will be £2.45 billion.

The key points of my review are as follows: Retirement Pension

The basic rate of Retirement Pension will be increased by £2.25 to £64.70 for a single person and by £3.60 to £103.40 for couples. Child Benefit

The rate for the eldest child will be increased to £11.45. The rate for each subsequent child is increased to £9.30. Income Support

The couple rate of Income Support for those aged 80 and over will increase by £2.75 to £117.90. War Pensions

War pensions will be increased in line with the RPI. Earnings Top-up

Benefit rates for the pilot Earnings Top-Up scheme will be increased by the Rossi index. Benefits for Lone Parents

The higher rate for lone parents in Child Benefit will be £17.10, and the higher rates of family premium in Income Support and Jobseeker's Allowance will be £15.75 and in Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit will be £22.05. Non-dependant Deductions

New rates of deductions in respect of non-dependants living in the household are shown in the schedule. The rate of deduction for Housing Benefit, Income Support and income based Jobseeker's Allowance in respect of those not in work, or with gross income below £78, remains unchanged.

2 Dec 1997 : Column WA172

Protecting benefits from inflation underlines our commitment to the elderly and the most vulnerable in society.

Schedule of Main Proposed Social Security Benefit Rates--April 1998
(Weekly rates unless otherwise shown)

Old Rates 1997New Rates 1998
Attendance Allowance
higher rate49.5051.30
lower rate33.1034.30
Child Benefit
--only, elder or eldest for whom child benefit is payable (couple)11.0511.45
--only, elder or eldest for whom child benefit is payable (lone parent)17.1017.10
--each subsequent child9.009.30
Child's Special Allowance
see note on Child Dependency Increase11.2011.30
Council Tax Benefit
Personal allowances
single
18 to 2438.9039.85
25 or over49.1550.35
lone parent--18 or over49.1550.35
couple--one or both over 1877.1579.00
Dependent Children
birth to September following 11th birthday16.9017.30
from September following 11th birthday to September following 16th birthday24.7525.35
from September following 16th birthday to day before 19th birthday29.6030.30
Premiums
family10.8011.05
family (lone parent rate)22.0522.05
pensioner
single19.6520.10
couple29.6530.35
pensioner (enhanced)
single21.8522.35
couple32.7533.55
pensioner (higher)
single26.5527.20
couple38.0038.90
disability
single20.9521.45
couple29.9030.60
severe disability
single37.1538.50
couple (one qualifies)37.1538.50
couple (both qualify)74.3077.00
disabled child20.9521.45
carer13.3513.65
Allowance for personal expenses for claimants in hospital
higher rate15.6016.20
lower rate12.5012.95
Non-dependant deductions aged 18 or over and in remunerative work
--gross income: £250 or more4.006.00
--gross income: £200-£249.993.505.00
--gross income: £116-£199.993.004.00
--gross income less than £1161.502.00
others, aged 18 or over1.502.00
Alternative maximum Council Tax Benefit
second adult on Income Support or income based Jobseeker's Allowance25% of Council Tax
second adult's gross income:
--under £11615% of Council Tax
--£16 to £151.997.5% of Council Tax
Capital
upper limit16,000.0016,000.00
amount disregarded3,000.003,000.00
child's limit3,000.003,000.00
upper limit for permanent resident of RC/NH16,000.0016,000.00
amount disregarded for permanent resident of RC/NH10,000.0010,000.00
Tariff income
£1 for every complete £250 or part thereof between amount of capital disregarded and capital upper limit
Earnings disregards
where disability premium awarded15.0015.00
various specified employments15.0015.00
lone parent25.0025.00
where the claimant has a partner10.0010.00
single claimant5.005.00
where carer premium awarded15.0015.00
childcare charges60.0060.00
Other income disregards
maintenance disregard15.0015.00
war disablement pension and war widow's pension10.0010.00
certain voluntary and charitable payments20.0020.00
student loan10.0010.00
student's covenanted income5.005.00
income from boarders----
disregard the fixed amount (£20) plus----
50 per cent. of the balance of the charge20.0020.00
30 Hour Adult Allowance in DWA10.5510.80
30 Hour Adult Credit in FC10.5510.80
Expenses for subtenants
furnished or unfurnished4.004.00
where heating is included, additional9.259.25
Dependency Increases
Adult Dependency Increases
For spouse or person looking after children, with;
retirement pension on own insurance, long term incapacity benefit, unemployability supplement37.3538.70
severe disablement allowance22.4023.20
invalid care allowance22.3523.15
short-term incapacity benefit if beneficiary over pension age35.9037.20
maternity allowance/short-term incapacity benefit29.1530.20
Child Dependency Increases, with; short-term incapacity benefit at the higher rate and long-term incapacity benefit, invalid care allowance severe disability allowance, higher rate industrial death benefit, unemployability supplement and short-term incapacity benefit if beneficiary over pension age11.2011.30
NB--The Overlapping Benefits Regulations provide for the rate of child dependency increases, guardian's allowance and child special allowance to be adjusted where the increase or allowance is payable for the eldest eligible child for whom child benefit is also payable. The weekly rate of the increase or allowance is reduced by the differential (less the 75p derived from the October 1991 increase in child benefit) between the rate of child benefit payable for the oldest eligible child and that payable for a subsequent child.
Disability Living Allowance
Care Component
Highest49.5051.30
Middle33.1034.30
Lowest13.1513.60
Mobility Component
Higher34.6035.85
Lower13.1513.60
Disability Working Allowance
Adult allowance
Single people49.5550.75
Couples/Lone Parents77.5579.40
30 Hours Allowance10.5510.80
Child allowance
from birth12.0512.35
from September following 11th birthday19.9520.45
from September following 16th birthday24.8025.40
Child allowance for children with protected rates
age 11 before 7th October 199719.9520.45
age 16 before 7th October 199724.8025.40
age 18 before 7th October 199734.7035.55
Applicable amount (i.e. taper threshold)
Single People57.8559.25
Couples/Lone Parents77.1579.00
Disabled Child's Allowance20.9521.45
Capital
upper limit16,000.0016,000.00
amount disregarded3,000.003,000.00
child's limit3,000.003,000.00
Tariff income
£1 for every complete £250 or part thereof between amount of capital disregarded and capital upper limit
Disregards
maintenance disregard15.0015.00
war disablement pension and war widow's pension10.0010.00
certain voluntary and charitable payments20.0020.00
student loan10.0010.00
student's covenanted income5.005.00
income from boarders:
disregard the fixed amount (£20) plus 50 per cent. of the balance of the charge20.0020.00
childcare charges60.0060.00
Expenses for subtenants
furnished or unfurnished4.004.00
where heating is included, additional9.259.25
Earnings Rules
Invalid Care Allowance50.0050.00
Therapeutic earnings limit46.5048.00
Industrial injuries unemployability supplement permitted earnings level (annual amount)2,418.002,496.00
War pensioners' unemployability supplement permitted earnings level (annual amount)2,418.002,496.00
Adult dependency increases with
short-term incapacity benefit where claimant is (a) under pension age29.1530.20
(b) over pension age35.9037.20
maternity allowance29.1530.20
retirement pension, long-term incapacity benefit severe disablement allowance, unemployability supplement where dependent
(a) is living with claimant49.1550.35
(b) still qualifies for the tapered earnings rule45.0945.09
retirement pension, long-term incapacity benefit and unemployability supplement where dependant not living with claimant37.3538.70
severe disablement allowance where dependant not living with claimant22.4023.20
invalid care allowance22.3523.15
Child dependency increases
level at which CDIs are affected by earnings of claimant's spouse or partner
for first child135.00140.00
for each subsequent child17.0018.00
Family Credit
Adult credit47.6548.80
30 hours credit10.5510.80
Child credits
from birth12.0512.35
from September following 11th birthday19.9520.45
from September following 16th birthday24.8025.40
Child credits for children with protected rates
age 11 before 7th October 199719.9520.45
age 16 before 7th October 199724.8025.40
age 18 before 7th October 199734.7035.55
Applicable amount (i.e: threshold)77.1579.00
Capital
upper limit8,000.008,000.00
amount disregarded3,000.003,000.00
child's limit3,000.003,000.00
Assumed income from capital
£1 for every £250 or part of £250 between amount of capital disregarded and capital upper limit
Disregards
maintenance disregard15.0015.00
war disablement pension and war widow's pension10.0010.00
certain voluntary and charitable payments20.0020.00
student loan10.0010.00
student's covenanted income5.005.00
income from boarders: disregard the fixed amount (£20) plus 50 per cent. of the balance of the charge20.0020.00
childcare charges60.0060.00
Expenses for subtenants
furnished or unfurnished4.004.00
where heating is included, additional9.259.25
Guardian's Allowance11.2011.30
see note on Child Dependency Increase
Hospital Downrating
20 per cent. rate12.5012.95
40 per cent. rate25.0025.90
Housing benefit
Personal allowances
single
16 to 2438.9039.85
25 or over49.1550.35
lone parent
under 1838.9039.85
18 or over49.1550.35
couple
both under 1858.7060.10
one or both over 1877.1579.00
dependent children
birth to September following 11th birthday16.9017.30
from September following 11th birthday to September following 16th birthday24.7525.35
from September following 16th birthday to day before 19th birthday29.6030.30
dependent children with protected rates age 18 before 1st/7th April 199738.9039.85
Premiums
family10.8011.05
family (lone parent rate)22.0522.05
pensioner
single19.6520.10
couple29.6530.35
pensioner (enhanced)
single21.8522.35
couple32.7533.55
pensioner (higher)
single26.5527.20
couple38.0038.90
disability
single20.9521.45
couple29.9030.60
severe disability
single37.1538.50
couple (one qualifies)37.1538.50
couple (both qualify)74.3077.00
disabled child20.9521.45
carer13.3513.65
Allowance for personal expenses for claimants in hospital
higher rate15.6016.20
lower rate12.5012.95
Non-dependant deductions rent rebates and allowances
aged 25 and over, in receipt of Income Support or income based Job Seeker's Allowance
aged 18 or over, not in remunerative work or
--gross income less than £787.007.00
aged 18 or over and in remunerative work
--gross income: less than £787.007.00
--gross income: £78 to £115.9913.0016.00
--gross income: £116 to £151.9917.0022.00
--gross income: £152 to £199.9933.0036.00
--gross income: £200.00 to £249.9936.0041.00
--gross income: £250.00 and above39.0045.00
Service charges for fuel
heating9.259.25
hot water1.151.15
lighting0.800.80
cooking1.151.15
Amount ineligible for meals
three or more meals a day
single claimant17.5517.95
each person in family aged 16 or over17.5517.95
each child under 168.859.05
less than three meals a day
single claimant11.6511.95
each person in family aged 16 or over11.6511.95
each child under 165.856.00
breakfast only--claimant and each member of family2.102.15
Capital
upper limit16,000.0016,000.00
amount disregarded3,000.003,000.00
child's limit3,000.003,000.00
upper limit for permanent resident of RC/NH16,000.0016,000.00
amount disregarded for permanent resident of RC/NH10,000.0010,000.00
Tariff income
£1 for every complete £250 or part thereof between amount of capital disregarded and capital upper limit
Earnings disregards
where disability premium awarded15.0015.00
various specified employments15.0015.00
lone parent25.0025.00
where the claimant has a partner10.0010.00
single claimant5.005.00
where carer premium awarded15.0015.00
childcare charges60.0060.00
Other income disregards
maintenance disregard15.0015.00
war disablement pension and war widow's pension10.0010.00
certain voluntary and charitable payments20.0020.00
student loan10.0010.00
student's covenanted income5.005.00
income from boarders:
disregard the fixed amount (£20) plus
50 per cent. of the balance of the charge20.0020.00
30 per cent. Adult Allowance in DWA10.5510.80
30 per cent. Adult Credit in FC10.5510.80
Expenses for subtenants
furnished or unfurnished4.004.00
where heating is included, additional9.259.25
Incapacity Benefit
Long-term incapacity benefit62.4564.70
Short-term incapacity benefit (under pension age)
lower rate47.1048.80
higher rate55.7057.70
Short-term incapacity benefit (over pension age)
lower & higher rate59.9062.05
Increase of long-term incapacity benefit for age
higher rate13.1513.60
lower rate6.606.80
Invalidity Allowance (Transitional)
higher rate13.1513.60
middle rate8.308.60
lower rate4.154.30
Income Support
Personal Allowance
single
under 18--usual rate29.6030.30
under 18-higher rate payable in specific circumstances38.9039.85
18 to 2438.9039.85
25 or over49.1550.35
lone parent
under 18--usual rate29.6030.30
under 18--higher rate payable in specific circumstances38.9039.85
18 or over49.1550.35
couple
both under 1858.7060.10
one or both 18 or over77.1579.00
dependent children
birth to September following 11th birthday16.9017.30
from September following 11th birthday to September following 16th birthday24.7525.35
from September following 16th birthday to day before 19th birthday29.6030.30
Residential Allowance
except Greater London56.0057.50
Greater London62.0064.00
Premiums
family10.8011.05
family (lone parent rate)15.7515.75
pensioner
single19.6520.10
couple29.6530.35
pensioner (enhanced)
single21.8522.35
couple32.7533.55
pensioner (higher)
single26.5527.20
couple38.0038.90
disability
single20.9521.45
couple29.9030.60
severe disability
single37.1538.50
couple (one qualifies)37.1538.50
couple (both qualify)74.3077.00
disabled child20.9521.45
carer13.3513.65
Maximum amounts for accommodation and meals in
residential care homes
old age208.00213.00
very dependent elderly240.00247.00
mental disorder (not handicap)220.00225.00
drug/alcohol dependence220.00225.00
mental handicap250.00257.00
physical disablement
(a) (under pension age)285.00292.00
(b) (over pension age)208.00213.00
others208.00213.00
maximum Greater London increase41.0044.00
nursing homes
mental disorder (not handicap)312.00319.00
drug/alcohol dependence312.00319.00
mental handicap318.00325.00
terminal illness311.00318.00
physical disablement
(a) (under pension age)352.00359.00
(b) (over pension age)311.00318.00
others (including elderly)311.00318.00
maximum Greater London increase46.0049.00
Amounts for meals where these cannot be purchased within the accommodation
(Daily Rate)
breakfast1.101.10
midday meal1.551.55
evening meal1.551.55
Allowances for personal expenses for claimants in private and voluntary residential care and nursing homes
personal expenses14.1014.45
dependent children
(a) under 115.805.95
(b) 11 to 158.458.65
(c) 16 to 179.8010.05
(d) age 1814.1014.45
hospital
higher rate15.6016.20
lower rate12.5012.95
local authority (Pt III) accommodation62.4564.70
of which, personal expenses14.1014.45
Allowances for personal expenses for claimants in:
the Polish home Ilford Park
maximum amount for accommodation and meals352.00359.00
personal expenses for claimant17.3517.35
personal expenses for partner17.3517.35
personal expenses for dependent children
(a) under 115.805.95
(b) 11 to 158.458.65
(c) 16 to 179.8010.05
(d) 1815.5515.55
Housing costs
deduction for non-dependants:
aged 25 and over, in receipt of income support
aged 18 or over, not in work or
--gross income less than £787.007.00
aged 18 or over and in remunerative work:
--gross income: £78 to £115.9913.0016.00
--gross income: £116 to £151.9917.0022.00
--gross income: £152 to £199.9933.0036.00
--gross income: £200.00 to £249.9933.0041.00
--gross income: £250.00 and above33.0045.00
Deduction for direct payments
arrears of housing, fuel and water costs
council tax and fines default, and2.502.55
deductions for child maintenance (standard)5.005.10
deductions for child maintenance (lower)2.502.55
Arrears of Community Charge
court order against claimant2.502.55
court order against couple3.903.95
Maximum rates for recovery of overpayments
ordinary overpayments7.507.65
where claimant convicted of fraud10.0010.00
Reduction in benefit for strikers26.5027.00
Capital
upper limit8,000.008,000.00
amount disregarded3,000.003,000.00
child's limit3,000.003,000.00
upper limit for permanent resident of RC/NH16,000.0016,000.00
amount disregarded for permanent resident of RC/NH10,000.0010,000.00
Tariff income
£1 for every complete £250 or part thereof between amount of capital disregarded and capital upper limit
Disregards
standard earnings5.005.00
couples' earnings10.0010.00
higher earnings15.0015.00
war disablement pension and war widow's pension10.0010.00
voluntary and charitable payments20.0020.00
student loan10.0010.00
student's covenanted income5.005.00
income from boarders:
disregard the fixed amount (£20) plus 50 per cent. of the balance of the charge20.0020.00
Expenses for subtenants
furnished or unfurnished4.004.00
where heating is included, additional9.259.25
Industrial Death Benefit
Widow's pension
higher rate62.4564.70
lower rate18.7419.41
Indistrial Disablement Pension
18 and over, or under 18 with dependants
100 per cent.101.10104.70
90 per cent.90.9994.23
80 per cent.80.8883.76
70 per cent.70.7773.29
60 per cent.60.6662.82
50 per cent.50.5552.35
40 per cent.40.4441.88
30 per cent.30.3331.41
20 per cent.20.2220.94
Under 18
100 per cent.61.9064.15
90 per cent.55.7157.74
80 per cent.49.5251.32
70 per cent.43.3344.91
60 per cent.37.1438.49
50 per cent.30.9532.08
40 per cent.24.7625.66
30 per cent.18.5719.25
20 per cent.12.3812.83
Maximum life gratuity (lump sum)6,720.006,960.00
Unemployability Supplement62.4564.70
plus where appropriate an increase for early incapacity
higher rate13.1513.60
middle rate8.308.60
lower rate4.154.30
Maximum reduced earnings allowance40.4441.88
Maximum retirement allowance10.1110.47
Constant attendance allowance
exceptional rate81.0084.00
intermediate rate60.7563.00
normal maximum rate40.5042.00
part-time rate20.2521.00
Exceptionally severe disablement allowance40.5042.00
Invalid Care Allowance37.3538.70
Jobseekers Allowance
Contribution based JSA--rates
under 1829.6030.30
18 to 2438.9039.85
25 or over49.1550.35
Income-based JSA--personal allowances
under 1829.6030.30
18 to 2438.9039.85
25 or over49.1550.35
lone parent
under 18--usual rate29.6030.30
under 18--higher rate payable in specific circumstances38.9039.85
18 or over49.1550.35
couple
both under 1829.6030.30
both under 18, one disabled38.9039.85
both under 18, with responsibility for a child58.7060.10
one under 18, one 18-2438.9039.85
one under 18, one 25+49.1550.35
both 18 or over77.1579.00
dependent children
birth to September following 11th birthday16.9017.30
from September following 11th birthday to September following 16th birthday24.7525.35
from September following 16th birthday to day before 19th birthday29.6030.30
Residential Allowance
except Greater London56.0057.50
Greater London62.0064.00
Premiums
family10.8011.05
family (lone parent rate)15.7515.75
pensioner
single19.6520.10
couple29.6530.35
pensioner (enhanced)
couple32.7533.55
pensioner (higher)
single26.5527.20
couple38.0038.90
disability
single20.9521.45
couple29.9030.60
severe disability
single37.1538.50
couple (one qualifies)37.1538.50
couple (both qualify)74.3077.00
disabled child20.9521.45
carer13.3513.65
Maximum amounts for accommodation and meals in
residential care homes
mental disorder (not handicap)220.00225.00
drug/alcohol dependence220.00225.00
mental handicap250.00257.00
physical disablement
(a) (under pension age)285.00292.00
others208.00213.00
maximum Greater London increase41.0044.00
nursing homes
mental disorder (not handicap)312.00319.00
drug/alcohol dependence 312.00319.00
mental handicap318.00325.00
terminal illness311.00318.00
physical disablement
(a) (under pension age)352.00359.00
others (including elderly)311.00318.00
maximum Greater London increase46.0049.00
Amounts for meals where these cannot be purchased within the accommodation (Daily Rate)
breakfast1.101.10
midday meal1.551.55
evening meal1.551.55
Allowances for personal expenses for claimants in
private and voluntary residential care and nursing homes
personal expenses14.1014.45
dependent children
(a) under 115.805.95
(b) 11 to 158.458.65
(c) 16 to 179.8010.05
(d) age 1814.1014.45
hospital
higher rate15.6016.20
lower rate12.5012.95
local authority (Pt lll) accommodation62.4564.70
of which, Personal Expenses14.1014.45
Housing costs deduction for non-dependents: aged 25 and over, in receipt of income support or income based job seekers allowance; aged 18 or over, not in remunerative work or
--gross income: less than £787.007.00
aged 18 or over and in remunerative work
--gross income: less than £78.007.007.00
--gross income: £78 to £115.9913.0016.00
--gross income: £116 to £151.9917.0022.00
--gross income: £152 to £199.9933.0036.00
--gross income: £200.00 to £249.9933.0041.00
--gross income: £250.00 and above33.0045.00
Deduction for direct payments
Deductions from JSA (IB)
arrears of housing, fuel and water costs council tax and fines default, and2.502.55
Deductions for Child Maintenance
deductions for child maintenance (standard)5.005.10
deductions for child maintenance (lower)2.502.55
Arrears of Community Charge
court order against claimant2.502.55
court order against couple3.903.95
Deductions from JSA (continued)
Arrears of Community Charge, Council Tax and fines
Age 16-179.8610.10
Age 18-2412.9613.28
Age 25+16.3816.78
Maximum deduction for arrears of Child Support
Maintenance
Age 16-179.8610.10
Age 18-2412.9613.28
Age 25+16.3816.78
Maximum rates for recovery of overpayments
ordinary overpayments7.507.65
where claimant convicted of fraud10.0010.00
Reduction in benefit for strikers26.5027.00
Capital
upper limit8,000.008,000.00
amount disregarded3,000.003,000.00
child's limit3,000.003,000.00
upper limit for permanent resident of RC/NH16,000.0016,000.00
amount disregarded for permanent resident of RC/NH10,000.0010,000.00
Tariff income
£1 for every complete £250 or part thereof between amount of capital disregarded and capital upper limit
Disregards
standard earnings5.005.00
couples' earnings10.0010.00
higher earnings15.0015.00
war disablement pension and war widow's pension10.0010.00
voluntary and charitable payments20.0020.00
student loan10.0010.00
student's covenanted income5.005.00
income from boarders
disregard the fixed amount (£20) plus 50 per cent. of the balance of the charge20.0020.00
Expenses for subtenants
furnished or unfurnished4.004.00
where heating is included, additional9.259.25
Maternity Allowance
Lower rate48.3550.10
Higher rate55.7057.70
Pneumoconiosis Byssinosis, Workmen's Compensation (Supplementation) and Other Schemes
Total disablement allowance and major incapacity allowance (maximum)101.10104.70
Partial disablement allowance37.3538.70
Unemployability supplement plus where appropriate increases for early incapacity62.4564.70
higher rate13.1513.60
middle rate8.308.60
lower rate4.154.30
Constant attendance allowance
exceptional rate81.0084.00
intermediate rate60.7563.00
normal maximum rate40.5042.00
part-time rate20.2521.00
Exceptionally severe disablement allowance40.5042.00
Lesser incapacity allowance
maximum rate of allowance37.3538.70
based on loss of earnings over49.5051.30
Retirement Pension
Category A or B62.4564.70
Category B(lower)--husband's insurance37.3538.70
Category C or D--non-contributory37.3538.70
Category C(lower)--non-contributory22.3523.15
Additional pensionIncrease by: 3.60 per cent.
Increments to:
Basic and additional pensionsIncreased by 3.60 per cent.
Contracted out deductions (CODs) (Pre April '88 earnings)
Graduated Retirement Benefit (GRB)
Increments to CODs (April 1988-April 1996 earningsAdditional increase 0.6 per cent. to that paid by schemes
[33.0 per cent. paid by schemes]
Graduated Retirement Benefit (unit) (pence)8.118.40
Graduated Retirement Benefit (Inherited)Increase by: 3.60 per cent.
Addition at age 800.250.25
Severe Disablement Allowance
Basic rate37.7539.10
Age-related addition (from December 1990)
Higher rate13.1513.60
Middle rate8.308.60
Lower rate4.154.30
Statutory Maternity Pay
Earnings threshold62.0064.00
Lower rate55.7057.70
Statutory Sick Pay
Earnings threshold62.0064.00
Standard rate55.7057.70
War Pensions
Disablement Pension (100 per cent. rates)
officer (£ per annum)5,594.005,797.00
other ranks107.20111.10
Age allowances
40 per cent.-50 per cent.7.157.40
over 50 per cent. but not over 70 per cent.11.0511.45
over 70 per cent. but not over 90 per cent.15.7516.30
over 90 per cent.22.1022.90
Disablement gratuity
specified minor injury (minimum)682.00707.00
specified minor injury (maximum)5,100.005,284.00
unspecified minor injury (minimum)284.00294.00
unspecified minor injury (maximum)6,632.006,871.00
Unemployability allowance
personal66.2568.65
adult dependency increase37.3538.70
increase for first child9.909.90
increase for subsequent children11.2011.30
Invalidity allowance
higher rate13.1513.60
middle rate8.308.60
lower rate4.154.30
Constant attendance allowance
exceptional rate81.0084.00
intermediate rate60.7563.00
normal maximum rate40.5042.00
part-time rate20.2521.00
Comforts allowance
higher rate17.4018.00
lower rate8.709.00
Mobility supplement38.5539.95
Allowance for lowered standard of occupation (maximum)40.4441.88
Exceptionally severe disablement allowance40.5042.00
Severe disablement occupational allowance20.2521.00
Clothing allowance (£ per annum, maximum)137.00142.00
Education allowance (£ per annum maximum)120.00120.00
War widow's pension
Widow (private)81.0083.90
Widow (NCO)81.2584.20
Widow--Officer (£ per annum maximum)5,010.005,190.00
Childless widow u-40 (private)18.7419.41
Childless widow u-40 (NCO)19.0219.70
Childless widow u-40 (Officer maximum £s per annum)5,010.005,190.00
Supplementary Pension age allowance52.8054.70
(a) age 65 to 699.259.60
(b) age 70 to 7917.7518.40
(c) age 80 and over26.4527.40
children's allowance
increase for first child (adjusted for child benefit increase)14.1514.25
increase for subsequent children15.4515.65
Orphan's pension
increase for first child (adjusted for child benefit increase)15.9016.05
increase for subsequent children17.2017.45
(Unmarried dependant living as spouse maximum)78.9581.85
Rent allowance (maximum)30.6531.75
Adult orphan's pension (maximum)62.4564.70
Widower's pension
private (maximum)81.0083.90
officer (£ per annum) maximum5,010.005,190.00
Widow's Benefit
Widow's payment (lump sum)1,000.001,000.00
Widowed mother's allowance62.4564.70
Widow's pension
standard rate62.4564.70
age-related
age 54 (49)58.0860.17
53 (48)53.7155.64
52 (47)49.3451.11
51 (46)44.9646.58
50 (45)40.5942.06
49 (44)36.2237.53
48 (43)31.8533.00
47 (42)27.4828.47
46 (41)23.1123.94
45 (40)18.7419.41

Note:

For deaths occurring before 11 April 1988 refer to age-points shown in brackets.


2 Dec 1997 : Column WA185

Earnings top-up (ETU) rates

Old rates 1997New rates 1998
Scheme A
Credit
couple 47.6548.80
single 25 and over28.7529.45
single under 2523.3523.90
for working 30 hrs + pw10.5510.80
Applicable amount (i.e., taper threshold)
couple77.1579.00
single 25 and over59.7061.15
single under 2549.4550.65
Scheme B
Credit
couple57.5058.90
single 25 and over28.7529.45
single under 2523.3523.90
for working 30 hrs + pw10.5510.80
Applicable amount (i.e., taper threshold)
couple77.1579.00
single 25 and over77.1579.00
single under 2577.1579.00
Both schemes
Capital
upper limit8,000.00*
amount disregarded3,000.00 fixed rates
Tariff income
£1 for every complete £250 or part thereof between amount of capital disregarded and capital upper limit fixed ratefixed rate

2 Dec 1997 : Column WA186


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