SCHEDULES

Schedule 1Administration

Part 2Amendments of the Social Security Act 1998

Introductory

4

Part 1 of the Social Security Act 1998 (c. 14) (decisions and appeals) is amended as follows.

Use of computers

5

In section 2(2) (which defines “relevant enactment”) at the end insert“; or

(i)

the State Pension Credit Act 2002”.

Decisions by Secretary of State

6

(1)

Section 8 is amended as follows.

(2)

In subsection (3) (meaning of “relevant benefit” in Chapter 2 of Part 1 (social security decisions and appeals)) after paragraph (b) insert—

“(bb)

state pension credit;”.

(3)

In subsection (4) (meaning of “relevant enactment” in that section) for “or the Jobseekers Act” substitute “ , the Jobseekers Act or the State Pension Credit Act 2002 ”.

Regulations with respect to decisions

7

In section 11(3), in the definition of “the current legislation”, for “the Social Security (Recovery of Benefits) Act 1997” substitute “ , the Social Security (Recovery of Benefits) Act 1997 and the State Pension Credit Act 2002 ”.

Suspension of benefit for failure to furnish information etc

8

In section 22, after subsection (3) (which defines “information requirement” as a requirement made in pursuance of regulations under section 5(1)(hh) of the Administration Act to furnish certain information or evidence) insert—

“(4)

Subsection (3A) of section 5 of the Administration Act (which glosses paragraph (hh) in the case of state pension credit) shall apply in relation to subsection (3) above as it applies in relation to paragraph (hh) of subsection (1) of that section.”

Restrictions on entitlement to benefit in cases of error: definitions

9

In section 27(7), in the definition of “benefit”—

(a)

after paragraph (d) insert—

“(dd)

state pension credit;”,

and

(b)

in paragraph (e) for “paragraphs (a) to (d) above” substitute “ paragraphs (a) to (dd) above ”.

Correction of errors and setting aside of decisions

10

In section 28 (correction of errors and setting aside of decisions) in subsection (3) (meaning of “relevant enactment”) at the end insert“; or

(f)

the State Pension Credit Act 2002”.

Decisions against which no appeal lies

11

In Schedule 2 (decisions against which no appeal lies) in paragraph 6(b)(ii), at the end insert“; or

(iii)

section 159B(1)(b) of that Act (state pension credit)”.

Decisions against which appeal lies

12

In Schedule 3 (decisions against which appeal lies) after paragraph 8 insert—

“State pension credit

8A

A decision whether to specify a period as an assessed income period under section 6 of the State Pension Credit Act 2002.

8B

If so, a decision as to the period to be so specified.

8C

A decision whether an assessed income period comes to an end by virtue of section 9(4) or (5) of that Act.

8D

If so, a decision as to when the assessed income period so ends.”