These Regulations amend the Social Security Benefit (Dependency) Regulations 1977 (“the Dependency Regulations”) by substituting a new regulation 8 for the existingregulation. This regulation makes provision for the reduction of increases of benefit paid in respect of an adult dependant where the dependant is in receipt of earnings of an amount specified in the Regulations. “Earnings” are defined in section 89 of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992 as including payments by way of occupational or personal pension. The Regulations also contain a transitional provision which continues the protection provided in regulation 8(6) of the Dependency Regulations as previously in force for people who were entitled to an increase of benefit before 15th September 1985.