Supplementary Benefit
Supplementary Benefitwas ameans-tested benefitin the United Kingdom, paid to people on low incomes, whether or not they were classed asunemployed,such as pensioners, the sick and single parents. Introduced in November 1966, it replaced the earlier system of discretionaryNational Assistancepayments and was intended to 'top up' other benefits, hence its name.
To qualify a claimant had to demonstrate that theircapitalwas below the limit, £6,000, and that their weekly income was less than their requirements, as calculated in accordance with the benefits regulations.[1]
The Supplementary Benefits Commission was established alongside theMinistry of Social Securityby theMinistry of Social Security Act 1966to work to administer the new benefits.[2]Richard Titmusswas appointed vice-chair of the Commission.[3]: 182
In 1968 the Ministry of Social Security was incorporated into the newDepartment of Health and Social Security(DHSS).
The benefit was paid weekly, throughgirocheques and order payment books, or fortnightly by the Unemployment Benefit Office by giro and cashed at localpost offices.
Supplementary benefit appeal tribunals
[edit]Appeals went to supplementary benefit appeal tribunals. In 1984, supplementary benefit appeal tribunals andNational Insurancelocal tribunals were merged into theSocial Security Appeal Tribunal.[4]
Abolition
[edit]The benefit was abolished and replaced byIncome Supporton 11 April 1988, as part of a wider overhaul of the benefits system.
References
[edit]- ^Ogus, A; et al. (1988).The Law of Social Security(3 ed.). London: Butterworth & Co.ISBN978-0406633705.
- ^Archives, The National."The Discovery Service".discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk.
- ^Rose, Hilary (1973). "Up Against the Welfare State: Claimants Unions".Socialist Register.
- ^Wikeley, Nick (28 November 2018). "Burying Bell: Managing the Judicialisation of Social Security Tribunals".The Modern Law Review.63(4): 475–501.doi:10.1111/1468-2230.00276.JSTOR1097430.