Mervyn Taylor
Question:22 Mr. Taylor asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of women who will be disqualified from the widow's benefit as a result of the 1992 budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefit.
There were no provisions in the 1992 budget to disqualify people from widow's pension. Provision was made in the 1992 Social Welfare Act for an income limit for entitlement to deserted wife's benefit, the amount of the new limits to be prescribed in regulations. These regulations are currently being drafted in my Department. The limit will be set at around £12,000 per annum and it is intended that it will operate on a tapered basis. It will apply only to new claimants and thus will not disqualify current claimants.
It is estimated that approximately 60 people per annum will fail to qualify for deserted wife's benefit because of the income limit. These will generally be people who are in employment and earning in excess of average earnings. The introduction of the earnings limit is intended to direct scarce resources towards people in greatest need.